Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product DSLR-A580 Sony
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DSLR-A560/A580 4-207-863- 11 (1) Printed on 70% o r more r ecycled paper using VOC (V olatile Organic Com pound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Addi tional informa tion on this prod uct and answers t o frequently ask ed questions can be found a t our Cust omer Su pport 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. DSLR-A580/A560 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 Notice for the cus tomers in the countries applying EU Directive s The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany.
6 Disposal of waste batt eries (applicabl e in the European Uni on 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 Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mode using the viewfinder (OVF).
8 • Images may trail across on the LCD monitor in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. When turning on the camera in a cold location, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the monitor will function normally. • Do not press against the LCD monitor.
9 Table of Contents Notes on using your camera ................ ....................... ....... 7 Preparing the camera Checking the ac cessories su pplied ...... ....................... ..... 13 Identifying parts ...... ....................... .......
10 Shooting 3D-p anoramic ima ges (3D Sweep Panorama) ....... ....................... ................... ........ 69 Shooting an i mage the way you want i t (Exposure mode) ...................... .................. .................. ................
11 Selectin g the flash c ontrol mode to set the amount of flash light (Flash control) ...... .................. ........ 106 Selectin g the method for measur ing the bri ghtness of a subject (Metering Mode) .. ....................... ........ 107 Setting ISO .
12 Changing your setup Setting image size an d image quality ...................... ...... 140 Setting the method fo r recordin g on a memor y card ..... 144 Changing the nois e reduction setting ................. ........... 148 Changing the func tion of the buttons .
Preparing the camera 13 Preparing t he camera Checking the accessories supplied The number in p arentheses indicates th e number of pi eces. • BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/ Power cord (m ains lead) (.
14 Identifying parts See the pages in parenthese s for details of operation. A Shutter button (61) B Power switch (31) C Control dial (73) D Self-timer lamp (119) E Remote sensor F Lens contacts* G Mi.
15 Preparing the camera A Diopter-adjustment dial (40) B Microphone** C Auto-lock Accessory shoe (101) D Viewfinder* (40) E Eyepiece sensors (41) F MENU button (52) G DISP (Display) button (42, 45, 12.
16 Q ISO button (108) R Image sensor position mark (87) S For shooting: AEL (AE lock) button (78, 102) /Focus Magnifier button (93, 149) For viewing: (Zoom in) button (126) T For shooting: Fn (Functio.
17 Preparing the camera A HDMI terminal (1 36) B (USB) terminal (164) C Speaker D REMOTE terminal • Whe n connecti ng the RM- S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (s old separatel y) to the camera, insert th e plug of the Remote Commander into the REMOTE termin al, aligning t he guide of the pl ug with the guide of the RE MOTE terminal.
18 Preparing the battery pack When using the camera fo r the first t ime, be sure to charge the NP- FM500H “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 been fully charge d.
19 Preparing the camera • Do not charge any battery pack other th an the “InfoL ITHIUM” M series batt ery pack in the battery char ger (supplied) w it h your camera. Batteries other th an the specified kind may leak, overheat, or explode if y ou attempt to char ge them, posing a risk of injury from electrocuti on and burns.
20 Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regio ns around the world. The representative s upply voltage and plug typ e are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different ty pe of plug and supply vo ltage are used. Attention: Power cord meeting dem ands from each country shall be us ed.
21 Preparing the camera Oceania North America Central America South America Middle East Africa Singapore 230 50 BF Taiwan 110 60 A Thailand 220 50 C/BF Vietnam 220 50 A/C Countries/regions Voltage Fre.
22 To remove the battery pa ck Inserting the charged battery pack 1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the ba ttery 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 Close the battery cover.
23 Preparing the camera To remove the battery cover To check the remain ing battery level Check the level with the f ollowing indi cators and percent fi gures displaye d on the LCD monitor.
24 Effective use of the battery pack • Battery perfo rmance decr eases in low temperatur e surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack ca n be used is shorter in co ld places and the speed of continuous shooting slows down.
25 Preparing the camera Attaching a lens Notes • When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release but ton. • Do not use force whe n attaching a lens. • Use an A-mount lens. E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera. 1 Remove the body cap from the camera and the packaging lid from the rear of the lens.
26 To remove the lens Note on ch anging the lens When changing the lens, if dust o r de bris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of th e image sensor (the part th at act s as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment.
27 Preparing the camera Inserting a memory card 1 Open the memory card cover. 2 Insert “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media or an SD memory card. • Insert the me mory card un til it clicks as illustrated . Face side (SD mem ory card) Terminal part 3 Select the type of memory card you want to use using the memory card switch.
28 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. However, proper op eration cannot be gu aranteed for all memory cards fu nctions.
29 Preparing the camera • Do not strike, bend or drop the memo ry card. • Do not use or store the memory ca rd under the following conditions: – High temperatur e locations such as th e hot interior of a car parked in direct sunlight. – Locations exposed to direct sunlight.
30 Notes on the “Memory Stick” media used with th e 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.
31 Preparing the camera 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 scre en used for s etting date and time appears.
32 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 screen appears automatically. The next time, set up the date and time from the menu.
33 Preparing the camera Using the accessories supplied This section describes how to use th e shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other ac cessories ar e described in the following pages.
34 You can prevent light from entering th rough the viewfinder and aff ecting the exposure. When the shutter is rele ased without the use of the viewfinder in viewfinder mod e, as in shooting w ith the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover.
35 Preparing the camera Checking the numbe r of recordable images Notes • When “0” (the number of recordable imag es) fl ashes 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 134).
36 DSLR-A560 (Units: Images) * When [Image: Aspect Ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more i mages than the numbers shown in the table abo ve (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.
37 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 us ing a commerciall y available blower*.
38 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 o n the shooting environment. If there is dust on the image sensor, use a commercially available blower and cl ean the image sens or following t he steps below.
39 Preparing the camera Note • The camera starts beeping if the batter y pack becomes low d uring cleaning. St op cleaning immediately and turn the camer a off. 6 Use the blower to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area. • Do no t touch t he image sen sor with t he tip of the bl ower.
40 Before your operatio n Switching between the LCD monitor and viewfinder (OVF) You can select either the LCD mon itor (Live View) or the viewfinder (OVF) to shoot images. LIVE VIEW: Monitors subjects using the LCD monitor. OVF: Monitors subjects using the viewfinder.
41 Before your operation When it is hard to ro tate the diopter-adj ustment dial To focus on a subject quickly usin g the viewfind er When you look into the viewf inder, the subject located in the AF area comes into focus automa tically (Eye -Start AF).
42 The status of the screen in Live View mode Note • In focus check Live View mode, the digita l level gauge is dis played af ter “recordin g information off” (page 91). Switching the status of the LCD monitor In Live View mode, each time you press the DISP button, the recording information display cha nges as follows.
43 Before your operation The Graphic Display graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrates how th e exposure works. See pages in parenthese s for details of oper ation.
44 C D E REC 0:12 Record ing time of th e movie (m:s) Display Indication z Focus (86) 1/125 Shutter speed (75) F3.5 Aperture (72) EV scale (78, 12 1) AE lock (102) Camera shake warning (59) SteadyShot.
45 Before your operation The status of the sc reen in viewfinder (OVF) mode Switching the status of the LCD monitor In viewfinder mode, press the DISP button to switch between the Graphic Display and the Standard Display. When you rotate the camera t o a vertical position, the display automatically rotates to adjust to the camera position.
46 The Graphic Disp lay graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly ill ustrates how the exposure w orks. In AUTO or Scene Selection mode, only the items that can be set are displaye d. See the pa ges in parentheses for details of operation.
47 Before your operation B C 100% Remaining battery (23) Overheating warning (188) Database file full (188)/ Database file error (188) No audio recording of movies (83) Display Indication Shutter spee.
48 A B Notes • Fine lines may be seen from an AF area in the viewfinder. This is no t a malfunction. • When you press the shutter button halfway down to focus on a dark subject, AF areas may be lit in red automatically. In such a case, a red light is refle cted on the r ight side in the viewfinder.
49 Before your operation Selecting a function/setting You can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of bu ttons, such as the Fn (Function) bu tton, or the MENU button.
50 This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently 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. 2 Select the desired item with v / V / b / B on the controller, then press the center z to execute.
51 Before your operation The items that will be displayed depe nd on the position of the mode dial. The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button Scene Selection (63) Selects an appropriate mo de from among the Scene Selection preset settings to suit shooting conditions.
52 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 desired page with b / B on the controller, and select the desired item with v / V .
53 Before your operation Panorama: Size (141) Selects the size of pa noramic images. Panorama: Direction (68) Sets the shooting direction for panoramic images. 3D Pan.: Image Size (141) Selects the size of 3D-ima ges. 3D Pan.: Direction (69) Sets the shooting direction for 3D-images.
54 Custom me nu Eye-Start AF (41) Sets whether or not to use auto focus when you look through viewfinder. Func. of AEL button (149) Sets the function of the AEL button between AE lock and Focu s Magnifier in focu s check Live View mode. AEL (149) Sets the operation method of the AE lock butt on for fixing exposure during shooting.
55 Before your operation Playback menu Delete (134) De letes images . Still/Movie Select (124) Switches between the still image playback screen and the movie playback screen. Slide Show (127) Shows a slide show. 3D Viewing (137) Plays back 3D-images using a 3D-compatibl e TV connected to the ca mera.
56 Memory Card T ool menu Clock setup menu Format (145) Formats the memory card. File Number (144) Sets the method used t o assign file numbers to still images and m ovies. Folder Name (144) Sets t he folder format for still images. Select REC Folder (145) Changes the sele cted folder for storing still images.
57 Before your operation Setup menu * Appears wh en an Eye-Fi card (sold se parately) is insert ed in the camera. LCD Brightness (152) Sets the brightness of the LCD monitor. Power Sa ve (LV) (150) Sets the inter val after which po wer save mode engages i n Live Vie w mode.
58 Shooting images 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.
59 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.
60 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 shut ter 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.
61 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.
62 Note • Since the came ra turns on the automatic s etting fun ction, many fea tures 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.
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 lens. • Use the lens hood (sold separately) to shoot backl it subjects.
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 112). In such cases, you ca n adjust the exposure, ISO, etc.
66 Shooting panoramic images (Sweep Panorama) 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 controller. 3 Select [Sweep Panorama] with v / V , then press the center of the controller.
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 rec orded 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 To set the direction in which to pan the camera MENU button t 2 t [3D Pan.: Direction] t Select the desired setting Note • The v ertical direction is not provided wit h this function.
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 photog raphic expressions.
71 Shooting imag es Shooting with program auto This mode is suitable for z Using the a utomati c exposure , 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 122).
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 backg round 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) Notes • P ress the preview but ton after you adjust the focus. • In Li ve View mode, set the camera to th e focus check Live View mode (page 91). • In vi ewfinder mode, images displayed in the viewfin der become dark.
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 spe ed 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 • P ress the button when you shoot with the flash. However, when usin g the flash, if you close the aperture (a l arger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, th e light of the flas h will not reach distant s ubjects.
78 Notes • The (Camera shake warning) indicato r is not indicated in manual exposure 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 108).
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 To obtain your desired aper ture values Set the mode dial to “A” and select th e aperture value (F numb er) using the control dial, then start record ing your mo vie. Y ou can record with the selected aperture value.
82 Notes • The aut ofocus cannot be used during m ovie recording. Adjust the focus u sing the autofocus or manual focus befo re pressing the MOVIE button. • The angl e of view of movies is narrower than that of still images (DSLR- A560 only). After you press the MOVIE but ton, the camera shows the actual range to be recorded.
83 Shooting imag es Audio recording When you record movies, the operating noise of the camera or lens may be recorded. You can reduce the noi se of the camera by using a tripod, and setting the SteadyShot function to off. You can also record movies withou t audio.
84 DSLR-A560 (Units: hour : minute : second ) Note • The v alues shown are not the continuo us recording time. • Each cont inuous recording time value i ndi cated is depe nding on the temperat ure or status of the camera.
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 Select the desired AF area to su it the shooting conditions or your preference. The AF area where the fo cus has been conf irmed turns green and the other AF areas disappe ar. • In viewfinder mode, the AF areas that were not used to adjust the focus will disappear.
90 Notes • The availab le AF area settings depend on the status of t he [AF method] setting (page 91). When [Contrast AF] is selected, [Spot] and [Fl exible Spot] are av ailable. When [Phase-detect AF] is selecte d, [Wide], [Spot], and [Local] are available.
91 Using the shooting function • When usi ng a tele converter (sold separately), etc., rota tion of the focusing ring may not be smooth. • The correct focus in the viewfinder is not achieved if the diopter is not adjusted properly in viewfinder m ode (page 40).
92 In focus check Live View mode, e ach AF method has the following differences. • When using [Contrast AF], attach th e camera to a tripod beca use the focus may be difficult to be adjusted properly. Notes • When u sing [Contrast AF], it m ay take time to adjust the focus, d epending on the subject or the lens attach ed.
93 Using the shooting function The digital level ga uge of this camera Notes • The error of the d igital leve l gauge is larger if you til t the camera too far forward or backward. • A t ilt of ±1° may be indicat ed ev en if the camer a is almost l evel.
94 Note • Thi s function cannot be used when [Func. of AEL button] in the Custom menu is set to [AEL]. 3 Press the AEL button again to enlarge the image and select the portion you want to enlarge with v / V / b / B on the controller. • Each time you pres s the AEL b utton, the zoom scali ng changes a s follows: Full disp lay t Approx.
95 Using the shooting function Detecting faces The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus, exposu re, performs image processing, and adjusts flash settings.
96 • 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. When the camera detects a smile, the shutter is releas ed automat ically. • To focus on the smile, overlay the Face Detec tion frame and AF area.
97 Using the shooting function • 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. • Hold a clear smile with an open mouth. The smile is easier to detect when the teeth are showing.
98 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.
99 Using the shooting function • The lens hood ( sold separately) may block the light o f the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the flash. • When using the flash, shoo t the subject at a distance of 1 m (3.
100 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].
101 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.
102 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.
103 Using the shooting function Note • In focus check Li ve View mode (page 91), set [Func. of AEL button] to [AEL] in the Custom menu. Except for exposure mode M, the expos ure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure).
104 • 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 120). Note • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposur e mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection.
105 Using the shooting function Notes • The h istogram displayed in Live Vi ew mode does not indicate the final reco rded image. It indicates the condition of t he image just monitored on t he screen. The histogram will differ bas ed on aperture setting, etc.
106 Notes • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to AUT O, Sweep Shooting, or Scene Selection. • If you have adjusted th e flash level, appe ars in t he viewfinder when the buil t-in flash is pulled up. Wh en you adjust it, be careful not to forget to reset t he value.
107 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.
108 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 ex posure mode is set to AUTO, Sweep Shooting, or Scene Selection, ISO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select oth er ISO numbers.
109 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.
110 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 to [Auto] when other modes are sele cted in Scene Selecti on. • When s hooting with the D-Ra nge optimizer, the image may be noisy.
111 Using the shooting function • When t he exposure mode is set to AUTO, Sweep Shooting, or Scene Selection, you cannot select [Auto HDR]. • 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 tempor arily use with the DRO setting.
112 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 Scene Selection where the camer a adjusts the exposure.
113 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 AUTO or Scene Selection, [Creative Style] i s fixed to [Standard] and you cannot select other settings .
114 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, compar ed with a subject that appears white under the sunlight.
115 Using the shooting function • Use the white balance br acket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 122). • When you select [5500K] (Color Temp .) or [0] (Color Filter), you can adjust the value to th e desired value (below).
116 *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 recommende d in order to accurately reproduce the whiteness.
117 Using the shooting function Note • The m essage “Custom WB error” indi cate s that the value is beyond th e 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 .
118 Selecting the drive mode This camera has seven drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. button t (Single-shot Adv.) Note • W hen the exposure mode is se t to [Sports Action] in Scene Sel ection, you cann ot shoot single shot.
119 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 at higher speeds The camera shoots co ntinuously at a maximum of seven images per second.
120 To cancel the self-timer Press the button. Notes • When y ou shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepi ece cover (page 34). • Do n ot aim the lens at the s un during the 2-second self-timer. The heat of the sun burns the shut ter curtain and this results i n shutter curta in damage.
121 Using the shooting function Notes • When t he mode dial is set to M, t he e xposure is shifted by adjusti ng the shutter speed. • When y ou adjust the exposure, the exposu re is shifted based on the com pensated value. • The b racket cannot be used when the ex posure m ode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection.
122 Based on the selected white balance, and the color temper ature/color filter, three images are recorded w ith the white balance shifted. * Mired : a unit to indicate the color convers ion qualit y in color temperat ure filters.
123 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 butto n again. To switch the record ing data display Press the DISP button.
124 Note • W hen you play back the i mage on a TV or a computer, t he image will be displayed in the portrai t position ev en if [Manual Rotate] is selected. To scroll panoramic ima ges Select a panoramic image, then press th e center of the controller.
125 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 this camera. To return to the normal playb ack screen Press the button.
126 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.
127 Using the viewing function To return to the single-ima ge screen Press the butt on or the center of the controller when you select the desired image . To turn to the movie index screen MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show] t [Enter] Plays back recorded im ages in order (Slide sh ow).
128 To end in th e middle of the slide show Press the center of the contr oller. To choose the inte rval betw een the images in slide show MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show] t [Interval] t Select the desi.
129 Using the viewing function Checking the inform ation of recorded images Each time you press the DISP button, the information display changes (page 123).
130 B Display Indication 2010 1 1 10:37AM Date of recordin g Auto HDR image warning (110) 1/125 Shutter speed (75) F3.5 Aperture (72) ISO200 ISO sensitivity (108 ) 3/7 File number/total number of imag.
131 Using the viewing function AB Histogram display Display Indication Memory card (27) Still image 100-0003 Folder - file number (165) Image size of still images (140)/Aspect ratio of still images (1.
132 * 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 .
133 Using the viewing function Protecting images (Protect) You can protect images ag ainst accidental erasure. To cancel the pro tection of all the imag es or movies You can cancel the protection of all th e images in the folder currently selected or of all the movies with the same date.
134 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.
135 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. 5 Select [Delete] with v , th en press the center of the controller.
136 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.
137 Using the viewing function • Do n ot connect the output conn ector of the device with the HDM I terminal on the camera. This may cause a malfuncti on.
138 The items for Sync Menu Notes • The operations available are restricted wh en the camera is connected to a TV using an HDMI cable. • Onl y TVs that support “BRAVIA” Sync can prov ide these operations. The SYNC Menu operations differ depending on th e TV connected.
139 Using the viewing function PAL-N system (1080 50i) Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay SECAM system (1080 50i) Bulgaria, France, Greece, Guiana, Iran , Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.
140 Changing your setu p Setting image size and image quality MENU button t 1 t [Image: Size] t Select the des ired size [Image: Aspect Ratio]: [3:2] DSLR-A580 DSLR-A560 [Image: Aspect Ratio]: [16: 9] DSLR-A580 DSLR-A560 Note • When you select a RAW image with [Image: Quality], the image size of the RAW image corresponds to L.
141 Changing your setup You can set the image size of panoramic images. T he image size varies depending on the setting of th e shooting direc tion (page 68). MENU button t 2 t [Panorama: Size] or [3D Pan.: Image Size] t Select the desired size [Panorama: Size ] [3D Pan.
142 MENU button t 1 t [Image: Aspect Ratio] t Select the desired ratio Note • Thi s item cannot be set when the ex posure mode i s set to Sweep Shooting. MENU button t 1 t [Image: Quality] t Select the desired setting Image: Aspect Ratio 3:2 A normal ratio .
143 Changing your setup Notes • Thi s item cannot be set when the ex posure mode is set t o Sweep Shooting. • For detail s on the number of images t hat can be taken when the image qual ity is changed, see page 35.
144 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.
145 Changing your setup 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, a nd the folder becomes the current recording folder. A folder for still images and a folder for movies are created at the same time.
146 • F ormatting may take se veral minutes depending on the m emory card. 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.
147 Changing your setup Notes • Before using an Eye-Fi card, set up the wireless LAN access point and forwar ding destination. For details, refer to the operatin g manual supplied wit h the Eye-Fi card. • Eye -Fi cards are sold in the U.S.A, Cana da , Japan, and some countries in the EU (as of May in 2010).
148 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.
149 Changing your setup 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 ([Hold]).
150 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 whe n you operate the camera.
151 Changing your setup Note • C orrect metering cannot be achieved when you us e lenses that do not p rovide a lens contact, such as the lens of an astronom ical telescope. In such cases, adjust the exposure manually by checking it o n the recorded image.
152 Setting the LCD monitor The brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically adjus ted to the surrounding ligh ting conditions using the light sensor (pag e 15).
153 Changing your setup When the LIVE VIEW/OVF switch is set to “OVF, ” looking into the viewfinder turns off the LCD monitor. In the default setting, whi le looking into the viewfinder , the LCD monitor is turned off to pr event the batte ry pack from wearin g down.
154 Confirming the vers ion of the camera Displays the version of your camera. Confirm the version when a firmware update is released. MENU button t 2 t [Version] Note • An u pdate can be performed only when the b attery level is 50% or more. We recommend that you use a sufficient batter y or the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately).
155 Changing your setup Resetting to the default You can reset the main functions of the camera. MENU button t 2 t [Reset Default] t [Enter] The items to be reset are as follow s.
156 Custom me nu Playback menu Movie: Size (141) 1920 × 1080 Movie: File Format (82) AVCHD Movie: Audio Rec. (83) On SteadyShot (59) On Panorama: Size (141) Standard Panorama: Direction (68) Right 3D Pan.
157 Changing your setup Memory Card T ool menu Setup menu Specify Printing – Date Imprint (172) Off Volume Settings (124) 2 Playback Display (123) Auto Rotate Items Reset to File Number (144) Seri e.
158 Viewing images on a computer Using with your computer Following applications are co ntained on the CD-ROM (supplied) to allow more versatile use of images shot with your ca mera.
159 Viewing images on a computer The following computer envir onment 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 of the operatin g systems described above or in a multi-boot env ironment.
160 Using the software Log on as Administrato r. Notes • If “PMB” has already been installe d on th e computer, and the version number of the previously installed “P MB” is lower th an that of the “PMB” on the CD-ROM (supplied), install “PM B” also from the CD-ROM (supplied).
161 Viewing images on a computer • If “PM B” has already been ins talled on the compu ter, and the vers ion of the previously installed “PM B” is higher than that o f the “PMB” on the CD-ROM (supplied), installation i s not required. The usable functions are activated when the camera is connected to t he computer using the USB cable.
162 To use “Image Data Co nverter SR,” refe r to Help. Click [Start] t [All Progra ms] 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.sony.co.jp/ids-se/ With “Image Data Lightbox SR” you can do the following, etc.
163 Viewing images on a computer Notes • “ PMB” is not compati ble with Macinto sh computers. • The confi rmation message of the Informa tion tool appears on the screen when starting “P MB” for the firs t time. Se lect [Sta rt]. This function info rms you of news, such as soft ware updat es.
164 Connecting the camera to the computer “PMB” allows you to easily import images. For details on “PMB” functions, see the “PMB H elp.” Importing images to the compu ter without using “.
165 Viewing images on a computer 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.
166 Note • Use “iM ovie” bundled wit h a Macintosh computer to import or operate AVCHD format movies. Perform the procedures from step 1 to 3 below before: • Disconnecting the USB cable. • Removing the memory card. • Turning off the camera.
167 Viewing images on a computer 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.” To import movies, see page 164.
168 Characteristics of each type of disc Discs you can use with “PMB” You can use 12 cm discs of follow ing type with “PMB.” For Blu -ray disc, see page 169. • Always maintain your PlayStation®3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation®3 system software.
169 Viewing images on a computer Notes • Inst all “PMB” beforehand. • S till images and MP4 mov ie files canno t be recorded on the AVCHD format dis c.
170 You can create a standard definiti on image quality (STD) disc from AVCHD format movies imported to a comp uter using s upplied softw are “PMB.” Notes • Inst all “PMB” beforehand.
171 Printing images 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 below. DPOF specifications are left with imag es after printing.
172 You can date images when printing them. The positi on 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.
173 Others Others Specifications Camera [System] Camera Type Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Lens A-mount lens [Image sensor] Image format DSLR-A580 23.5 mm×15.6 mm (APS- C format) “Exmor” CMOS image sensor DSLR-A560 23.4 mm×15.6 mm (APS- C format) “Exmor” CMOS image sensor Total pixel number of image sensor DSLR-A580 Approx.
174 [Focus check Live View] Image format Image sensor for shooting Frame cov erage Approx. 100% [LCD monitor] LCD panel 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT drive Total number of dots 921 600 (640 × 3 (RGB) × 480).
175 Others [Recordi ng format ] File format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.3, MPF Baseline) compliant, DPOF compatibl e Movie (AVCHD format) AVCHD Ver. 1.0 compliant Video: MPEG-4 AVC/ H.264 Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch, equipped with Dolby Digital Stere o Creator • Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
176 Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H Used battery Lithium-ion ba ttery Maximum voltage DC 8.4 V Nominal voltage DC 7.2 V Maximum charge voltage DC 8.4 V Maximum charge current 2.0 A Capacity Typical 11.8 Wh (1 650 mAh) Minimum 11.5 Wh (1 600 mAh) Maximum dimensions Approx.
177 Others Trademarks • is a trademark of Sony Corporation . • “ Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick PRO, ” , “Memory Stic k Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” , “Memory Stic k PRO-HG Duo, ” , “Memory Stick Micro,” “MagicGate,” and are trademark s of Sony Corpor ation.
178 Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 178 to 186. Consult yo ur Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. The battery pack cannot be installed. • As yo u insert t he battery pack, use the tip of the batt ery pack to push the lock lever ( page 22).
179 Others The power turns off suddenly. • If y ou do not op erate the c amera for gi ven period of time, the c amera turns to power saving mod e and nearly shuts down . To cancel the powe r save, operate th e camera, suc h as pressi ng the shut ter butto n halfway do wn (page 150).
180 The screen of the viewfinde r is dark. • The b attery pac k is discha rged. Inst all a charg ed batter y pack (pag e 18). A red light is reflected on the right side in the viewfinder • When you pres s the shutter button halfwa y down to focu s on a dark sub ject, AF areas may be lit in red automatic ally.
181 Others Eye-Start AF does not work. • Set [Eye-Start AF] to [On] (page 41). • Pres s the shutter bu tton halfwa y down. The flash does not work. • The flash mode is set to [Auto flash]. If yo u want to make sure the flas h fires without fail, set the fla sh mode to [Fill-flas h] (page 98).
182 lenses may cause the periphery of the i mage to ap pear too da rk (insuff icient light). The eyes of the subject come out re d. • Activate the red e ye reductio n function (pa ge 100). • Get c lose to th e subject, and shoot the subjec t within t he flash r ange using the flash ( page 100).
183 Others Your camera cannot delete an image. • Cancel the prote ction (page 1 33). You have deleted an image by mistake. • Once you have d eleted an i mage, you cannot rest ore it. We recommend t hat you protec t images th at you do not want to delete (pa ge 133).
184 The image cannot be played back on a computer. • If y ou are usin g “PMB,” refer to the “PMB Help.” • Consult the comp uter or soft ware manufa cturer. After making a USB connection, “PMB” does not start auto matically. • Make the USB con nection af ter the c omputer is turned on (page 164) .
185 Others • When p rinting i mages usi ng your own p rinter, can cel the t rimming or borderles s settings. C onsult the pr inter manu facturer a s to whether t he printer prov ides these func tions or not. • When having imag es printed at a digital print sh op, ask the sho p whether they can print the images wit hout cutt ing off b oth edges.
186 The camera does not work proper ly. • Turn off the cam era. Remove the batter y pack and i nsert it again. If the camera is h ot, remove t he battery pack, and a llow it to c ool down b efore trying this correcti ve procedu re. • If a n AC Adapto r (sold se parately) is used, d isconnect the power plug.
187 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 camer a for a long time, ch arge the intern al rechargeab le battery (pages 31, 190).
188 Processing... • When Long expo sure noise reduction w ill be done fo r the same amount of time tha t the shutter was ope n. You cannot do any furthe r shooting during t his reduction . Unable to display. • Images re corded with oth er cameras or ima ges modifie d with a computer may not be able t o be displayed.
189 Others Camera Error System Error • Turn the power of f, remove th e battery pa ck, then re- insert it . If the message appears fr equently , consult you r Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service fa cility. Image Database F ile error. Reboot.
190 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 ma y become def ormed and this may cause a malf unction.
191 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 periods , it dischar ges gradual ly, and if you do not use the camera at a ll for abou t 3 months it becomes com pletely discharged .
192 • Cl ean the flash surf ace befor e use. The heat of flash emis sion may cause dirt on the flash surf ace to become di scolored o r to stick t o the flash surface, re sulting in insufficien t light emission. • Keep the camera, sup plied accessorie s, etc.
193 Others AVCHD format The AVCHD format is a high definiti on digital vi deo 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 tech nology.
194 3D-shootings Notes on recording • [ 3D Panorama] is no t suitable whe n shooting: – Subjects ar e moving. – Subjects a re too clos e to the camera. – Subjects w ith a repeating p attern such as tile s, and sub jects with little contra st such as sky, sandy beach, or la wn.
195 Index Index Index Numerics 3D ................ ............ ........... 69, 19 4 A Adobe RGB ....... ................ ....... 113 AE Lock ...... ............... ............. . 102 AEL button .... ............ .............. 149 AF area ..........
196 D-Range Optimizer ... ............... 109 Drive mode ................ ............. ..118 E Enlarged image ............. ............ 126 EV scale ..... ................ .7 8, 103, 121 Exposure .... ................ ............. ....70 Exposure compe nsation .
197 Index Memory card ........... ................ ... 27 “Memory Stick P RO Duo” ........ 27 Menu ........... ............ ................ ... 52 Metering mode .. ............. .......... 107 Moisture condensation ............. 190 Movie Audio Re c.
198 Spot ... ................ ............ ............ 107 SteadyShot functio n... ............. ....5 9 Sunset ........ ................ ............. ....6 3 Sweep Panorama ....... ......... 66, 141 Sweep Shooting ......... ................ .6 6 U USB connection .
199 Notes on the License “C Library”, “Exp at”, “zlib”, “dtoa ”, “pcre”, an d “libjpeg ” software are provided i n the camera .
An important point after buying a device Sony DSLR-A580 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Sony DSLR-A580 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Sony DSLR-A580 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Sony DSLR-A580 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Sony DSLR-A580 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Sony DSLR-A580, 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 DSLR-A580.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Sony DSLR-A580. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Sony DSLR-A580 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
