Sony SLT-A58K Sltα58 Amount Camera With Apsc Sensor User Manual

4-459-705-12(1)

SLT-A58

Interchangeable Lens

Digital Camera

α Handbook

A-mount

Preparing the camera

Shooting and viewing

images

Shooting images to suit

your subject

Using the shooting

functions

Using the playback

functions

Function list

Viewing images on a

computer

Others

Advanced Operations

Index

Table of Contents

Basic

Operations ................................................................. 9

This section provides basic information on operating the camera.

Notes on using your camera ............................................ 10

Preparing the camera

Checking the supplied items ............................................ 12

Identifying parts ............................................................... 13

Front ........................................................................... 13

Back ............................................................................ 14

Top ............................................................................. 15

Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 16

Lens ............................................................................ 18

Charging the battery pack ................................................ 19

Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)

..................................................................................... 21

Memory cards that you can use .................................. 23

Attaching a lens ............................................................... 24

Turning on the camera and setting the clock ................... 27

Before shooting ............................................................... 29

Adjusting the viewfinder’s visual acuity (diopter

adjustment)......................................................... 29

Holding the camera properly ...................................... 29

Shooting and viewing images

Shooting still images ....................................................... 30

Recording movies ............................................................ 32

Playing back images ........................................................ 33

Deleting images (Delete) ................................................. 34

Shooting images to suit your subject

Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen ........................... 35

Selecting a shooting mode ............................................... 36

Superior Auto .................................................. 37

Scene Selection .................................................. 38

Sweep Panorama ................................................ 39

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE ............................. 40

Using the shooting functions

Using the flash ................................................................. 41

Adjusting the image brightness ....................................... 43

Selecting the drive mode .................................... 45

Switching the recording information display (DISP) ...... 46

Setting image size ............................................................ 47

Image Size .................................................................. 47

Panorama: Size ........................................................... 47

Using the playback functions

Enlarging images ............................................................. 48

Switching to the image list display .................................. 49

Viewing images on a TV screen ...................................... 50

Function list

Functions that can be operated using the buttons/switch

..................................................................................... 51

Selecting a function using the Fn (Function) button ....... 52

Functions that can be selected using the Fn (Function)

button .........................................................................53

Functions selected using the MENU button .................... 55

Using the guide function of the camera ........................... 62

In-Camera Guide ........................................................ 62

Shooting Tips ............................................................. 62

Viewing images on a computer

What you can do with software ....................................... 64

What you can do with “PlayMemories Home” .......... 64

What you can do with “Image Data Converter” ........ 65

Installing the software ..................................................... 66

Installing “PlayMemories Home” .............................. 66

Viewing “PlayMemories Home Help Guide” ............ 66

Installing “Image Data Converter” ............................. 67

Viewing “Image Data Converter Guide” ................... 67

Installing “Remote Camera Control” ......................... 68

Selecting the method for creating a movie disc ............... 69

Creating a disc using a computer ............................... 70

Creating a disc with a device other than a computer

............................................................................ 70

Others

List of screen icons .......................................................... 71

Functions available for each shooting mode ................... 74

Flash modes available ...................................................... 75

Advanced

Operations ................................................................76

This section provides further information on operating the camera.

Preparation

Setting up the camera ...................................................... 77

Removing the Eyepiece cup ....................................... 77

Shooting mode screen display ......................................... 78

Selecting the screen mode .......................................... 78

Histogram ................................................................... 79

Monitoring the subject through the lens without effects

displayed ........................................................... 80

List of viewfinder mode icons .................................... 80

Shooting a clear image without camera shake ................ 83

Camera shake warning indicator ................................ 83

Using the SteadyShot function ................................... 83

Using a tripod ............................................................. 84

Shooting

Selecting the shooting mode ............................................ 85

Intelligent Auto/ Flash Off .............................. 85

Superior Auto .................................................... 85

Scene Selection .................................................. 86

Sweep Panorama ................................................ 88

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE ............................. 90

Program Auto ......................................................... 91

Aperture Priority ................................................... 92

Shutter Priority ....................................................... 94

Manual Exposure ................................................... 96

BULB ..................................................................... 97

Movie recording setup ................................................... 100

Recording movies easily .......................................... 100

Digital Zoom ............................................................ 101

Changing the tracking sensitivity of autofocus during

movie recording .............................................. 102

Recording movies with the shutter speed and aperture

adjusted ........................................................... 102

File Format ............................................................... 103

Record Setting .......................................................... 104

Audio Recording ...................................................... 105

Adjusting the focus ........................................................ 106

Autofocus ................................................................. 106

Focus-lock ................................................................ 108

Autofocus Mode ....................................................... 109

AF area ..................................................................... 110

AF Illuminator .......................................................... 111

Lock-on AF .............................................................. 111

Manual focus ............................................................ 114

Peaking ..................................................................... 115

Focus Magnifier ....................................................... 116

Detecting faces .............................................................. 117

Face Detection .......................................................... 117

Face Registration ...................................................... 118

Auto Object Framing ................................................ 119

Smile Shutter ............................................................ 120

Adjusting the brightness of the image ........................... 122

AE Lock ................................................................... 122

AEL w/ shutter ......................................................... 123

Metering Mode ......................................................... 123

Flash Comp. ............................................................. 124

Flash control ............................................................. 124

The flash ........................................................................ 126

Wireless flash ........................................................... 127

Setting ISO .................................................................... 129

Multi Frame Noise Reduct. ...................................... 129

Compensating for brightness and contrast automatically (D-

Range) ...................................................................... 130

D-Range Opt. ........................................................... 130

Auto HDR ................................................................ 131

Setting image processing ............................................... 133

Picture Effect ............................................................ 133

Creative Style ........................................................... 134

Adjusting color tones (White Balance) ......................... 136

Fine adjustment screen for color .............................. 137

Color Temp./Color Filter ......................................... 138

Custom white balance .............................................. 138

Zooming ........................................................................ 140

Selecting the drive mode .................................. 143

Single Shooting ........................................................ 143

Cont. Shooting .......................................................... 143

Self-timer .................................................................. 144

Bracket: Cont./Single Bracket .................................. 144

WB bracket ............................................................... 146

Playback

Playback mode screen display ....................................... 147

Switching the screen during playback ...................... 147

List of histogram display icons ................................ 147

Using the playback functions ........................................ 149

Rotating an image .................................................... 149

Still/Movie Select ..................................................... 149

Slide Show ............................................................... 150

Playback Display ...................................................... 150

Scrolling panoramic images ..................................... 151

Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 152

Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 153

Delete (Multiple Img.) ............................................. 153

Deleting all images or movies in each view mode

.........................................................................154

TV playback .................................................................. 155

Using “BRAVIA” Sync ........................................... 155

Camera Setup

Setting the aspect ratio and image quality ..................... 157

Aspect Ratio ............................................................. 157

Quality ...................................................................... 157

Setting the other camera functions ................................ 159

Long Exposure NR ................................................... 159

High ISO NR ............................................................ 159

Color Space .............................................................. 160

Release w/o Lens ...................................................... 160

Grid Line .................................................................. 161

Auto Review ............................................................. 161

Func. of AEL button ................................................ 161

ISO Button ............................................................... 162

Preview Button ......................................................... 162

Electronic Front Curtain Shutter .............................. 163

Viewfinder Bright. ................................................... 163

Power Save ............................................................... 164

FINDER/LCD Setting .............................................. 164

Lens compensation ........................................................ 165

Lens Comp.: Peripheral Shading .............................. 165

Lens Comp.: Chromatic Aberration ......................... 165

Lens Comp.: Distortion ............................................ 165

Setting the memory card recording method .................. 166

Format ...................................................................... 166

File Number ............................................................. 166

Folder Name ............................................................. 166

Select REC Folder .................................................... 167

New Folder ............................................................... 167

Recover Image DB ................................................... 168

Upload Settings ........................................................ 168

Resetting to default settings .......................................... 170

Confirming the camera version ..................................... 174

Computer

Using the camera with your computer ........................... 175

Recommended computer environment (Windows)

.......................................................................... 175

Recommended computer environment (Mac) .......... 176

Connecting the camera to a computer ........................... 177

Making a USB connection ....................................... 177

Setting the USB connection mode (USB LUN Setting)

.......................................................................... 177

Connecting to a computer ........................................ 178

Importing images to a computer (Windows) ........... 178

Importing images to a computer (Mac) .................... 179

Deleting the USB connection ................................... 180

Creating a movie disc .................................................... 181

Creating a high definition quality (HD) disc (AVCHD

recording disc) on a computer ......................... 181

Creating a standard definition quality (STD) disc .... 182

Discs you can use with “PlayMemories Home” ...... 183

Specifying DPOF ........................................................... 184

Date Imprint ............................................................. 184

Cleaning

Cleaning the camera and lens ........................................ 185

Cleaning the image sensor ............................................. 186

Troubleshooting/Others

Troubleshooting ............................................................. 189

Warning messages ......................................................... 198

Precautions .................................................................... 200

Using your camera abroad — Power sources ................ 203

AVCHD format ............................................................. 204

Memory cards ................................................................ 205

Battery pack/Battery charger ......................................... 207

License ........................................................................... 209

Index .............................................................................. 210

Basic Operations

This section provides basic information on

operating the camera. Read this section first. To use

the camera even more effectively, see “Advanced

Operations” (page 76).

Notes on using your camera

Shooting procedure

This camera has 2 modes for monitoring

subjects: an LCD screen mode using the

LCD screen, and a viewfinder mode using

the viewfinder.

Notes on the functions available with

the camera

To check whether it is a 1080 60i-

compatible device or 1080 50i-compatible

device, check for the following marks on

the bottom of the camera.

1080 60i-compatible device: 60i

1080 50i-compatible device: 50i

No compensation for recorded

content

The recorded content cannot be

compensated for if recording or playback is

not possible due to a malfunction of your

camera or memory card, etc.

Back up recommendation

To avoid the risk of data loss, always copy

(back up) data to other media.

Notes on the LCD screen, electronic

viewfinder, lens, and image sensor

• The LCD screen and electronic

viewfinder are manufactured using

extremely high-precision technology, so

over 99.99% of the pixels are operational

for effective use. However, there may be

some tiny black points and/or bright

points (white, red, blue or green in color)

that constantly appear on the LCD screen

and electronic viewfinder. These points

are normal in the manufacturing process

and do not affect the images in any way.

• Do not hold the camera by the LCD

screen.

• Do not expose the camera to sunlight or

shoot toward the sun for extended

periods of time. The internal mechanism

may be damaged. If reflected sunlight is

focused on a nearby object, it may cause

a fire.

• There is a magnet on the back and around

the rotating shaft of the hinge of the LCD

screen. Do not bring anything that is

easily affected by a magnet, such as

floppy disks or credit cards, near the

LCD screen.

• Images may trail across on the screen in

cold locations. This is not a malfunction.

When turning on the camera in a cold

location, the screen may become

temporarily dark. When the camera

warms up, the screen will function

normally.

• The recorded image may differ from the

image you monitor before recording.

Notes on recording over extended

periods of time

• When you continue to shoot for a long

time, the temperature of the camera rises.

If the temperature reaches a certain level,

the icon appears on the screen and the

camera turns off automatically. If the

power is turned off, leave the camera for

10 minutes or longer to allow the

temperature inside the camera to

decrease to a safe level.

• Under high ambient temperatures, the

temperature of the camera rises quickly.

• When the temperature of the camera

rises, the image quality may deteriorate.

We recommend that you wait until the

temperature of the camera drops before

continuing to shoot.

• The surface of the camera may grow

warm. This is not a malfunction.

Notes on using your camera

Notes on importing AVCHD movies to

a computer

When importing AVCHD movies to a

computer, for Windows computers, use the

“PlayMemories Home” software.

Notes on playing movies on other

devices

• This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

High Profile for AVCHD format

recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD

format on this camera cannot be played

using the following devices.

– Other devices compatible with

AVCHD format that do not support

High Profile

– Devices incompatible with the

AVCHD format

This camera also uses MPEG-4 AVC/

H.264 Main Profile for MP4 format

recording. For this reason, movies

recorded in MP4 format on this camera

cannot be played on devices other than

those that support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.

• Discs recorded in HD image quality

(high definition) can be played back only

on AVCHD format-compatible devices.

DVD-based players or recorders cannot

play back HD image quality discs, as

they are incompatible with the AVCHD

format. Also, DVD-based players or

recorders may fail to eject HD image

quality discs.

Warning on copyright

Television programs, films, videotapes, and

other materials may be copyrighted.

Unauthorized recording of such materials

may be contrary to the provisions of

The pictures used in this manual

The photographs used as examples of

pictures in this manual are reproduced

images, and are not actual images shot

using this camera.

On the data specifications described

in this manual

The data on performance and specifications

are defined under the following conditions,

except as described in this manual: at an

ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC

(77°F), and using a battery pack that has

been fully charged for about an hour after

the charge lamp has turned off.

Model name

This manual covers several models

supplied with different lenses.

The model name varies depending on the

supplied lens. The available model varies

depending on the country/region.

Model name Lens

SLT-A58 —

SLT-A58K DT18-55mm

SLT-A58M DT18-135mm

SLT-A58Y DT18-55mm and

DT55-200mm

Preparing the camera

Checking the supplied items

First check the model name of your camera (page 11). The accessories

supplied differ depending on the model.

The number in parentheses indicates the quantity.

Supplied with all models

• Camera (1)

• Battery charger BC-VM10A (1)

• Power cord (mains lead) (1)* (not

supplied in the U.S.A. and

Canada)

* Multiple power cords may be supplied

with your camera. Use the appropriate

one that matches your country/region.

• Rechargeable battery pack NP-

FM500H (1)

• Micro USB cable (1)

• Shoulder strap (1)

• Body cap (1) (Attached to the

camera)

• Eyepiece cup (1) (Attached to the

camera)

• Instruction Manual (1)

SLT-A58K

• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front

lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)

SLT-A58M

• DT18-135mm zoom lens (1)/

Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap

(1)/Lens hood (1)

SLT-A58Y

• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front

lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)

• DT55-200mm zoom lens (1)/

Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap

(1)/Lens hood (1)

Preparing the camera

Identifying parts

See the pages in parentheses for details on operation for the parts.

A Shutter button (30)

B Power switch (27)

C Control dial (92, 94, 96)

D Self-timer lamp (144)

E Lens contacts*

F Mirror*

• This mirror is made of a

transmissive film. Do not touch

the mirror. Doing so may soil or

deform the mirror, and the

image quality and camera

performance may deteriorate.

G Preview button (94)/Focus

Magnifier button (116)

H Mount

I Built-in flash* (41, 126)

J Microphone** (105)

K Mode dial (36)

L (Flash pop-up) button (41,

126)

M Mounting index (24)

N Lens release button (25)

O Focus mode switch (106, 114)

* Do not directly touch these

parts.

** Do not cover this part

during movie recording.

Doing so may cause noise

or lower the volume.

Front

Identifying parts

A Eyepiece sensors (77)

B Viewfinder*

• When you look into the

viewfinder, viewfinder mode is

activated, and when you move

your face away from the

viewfinder, viewing mode

returns to LCD screen mode.

C Diopter-adjustment dial (29)

D LCD screen (71, 80, 147)

E Eyepiece cup (77)

F For shooting: Fn (Function)

button (52, 53)

For viewing: (Image

rotation) button (149)

G Control button

v/V/b/B/DISP (Display

Contents) (46, 147)/WB (White

Balance) (136)/ (Drive

Mode) (45, 143)/ (Picture

Effect) (133)

H Control button (Enter)/AF

button (110)/Lock-on AF

button (111)

I (In-Camera Guide) button

(62)

For viewing: (Delete) button

(34)

J (Playback) button (33)

* Do not directly touch this

part.

Back

Identifying parts

Preparing the camera

A Multi interface shoe

1)2)

(127)

B MENU button (55)

C Image sensor position

mark (108)

D FINDER/LCD button (164)

E ZOOM button (140)

F ISO button (129, 162)

G For shooting: (Exposure)

button (43)/AV (Aperture

value) button (96)

For viewing: (Zoom in)

button (48)

H For shooting: AEL (AE lock)

button (122, 161)

For viewing: (Zoom out)

button (48)/ (Image index)

button (49)

I MOVIE button (32, 100)

For details on compatible accessories

for the Multi interface shoe, visit the

Sony web site, or consult a Sony

dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility in your area.

Accessories for the Accessory Shoe

can also be used. Operation with other

manufactures’ accessories is not

guaranteed.

Accessories for the Auto-lock

Accessory Shoe can also be attached

using the Shoe Adaptor (sold

separately).

Top

Identifying parts

A Hooks for shoulder strap

• Attach both ends of the strap to

the camera.

B Speaker

C DC IN terminal

• When connecting the AC-

PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold

separately) to the camera, turn

the camera off, then plug the

connector of the AC Adaptor

into the DC IN terminal on the

camera.

D m (Microphone) jack

• When an external microphone

is connected, the internal

microphone is automatically

turned off. If the external

microphone is a plug-in-power

type, the power of the

microphone is supplied by the

camera.

E HDMI micro jack (50, 155)

F Multi/Micro USB Terminal

(178)

• Supports Micro USB

compatible device.

Sides/Bottom

Identifying parts

Preparing the camera

G Battery insertion slot (21)

H Battery cover (21)

I Tripod receptacle

• Use a tripod with a screw length

of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).

You will be unable to firmly

secure the camera to tripods

with a screw length of 5.5 mm

(7/32 inch) or longer, and

attempting to do so may

damage the camera.

J Access lamp (22)

K Memory card insertion slot (21)

L Memory card cover (21)

Identifying parts

DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II

(Supplied with the SLT-A58K/

A58Y)

DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM

(Supplied with the SLT-A58Y)

DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM

(Supplied with the SLT-A58M)

A Focusing ring

B Zoom ring

C Focal-length scale

D Focal-length index

E Lens contacts

F Focusing mode switch

G Mounting index

H Lens hood index

I Zoom lock switch

• The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM

II/DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM/

DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM are

designed for Sony A-mount

cameras (models equipped with

an APS-C sized image sensor).

You cannot use these lenses on

35mm-format cameras.

• For lenses other than DT 18-

55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II/DT 55-

200mm F4-5.6 SAM/DT 18-

135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM, refer to

the operating instructions

supplied with the lens.

Lens

Preparing the camera

Charging the battery pack

When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-

FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).

The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged even when it has not

been fully depleted. The battery pack can also be used when it has not been

fully charged.

The charged battery pack is discharged little by little, even when you do not

use it. To avoid missing an opportunity to shoot, charge the battery pack

again before you shoot.

Insert the battery pack into

the battery charger.

Push the battery pack in until it clicks.

Charging the battery pack

Notes

• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery pack or

charging conditions.

• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between

10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery

pack outside of this temperature range.

• Connect the battery charger to the nearest wall outlet (wall socket).

Connect the battery charger

to a wall outlet (wall socket).

Light on: Charging

Light off: Charge completed

• When charging a fully depleted

battery pack at a temperature of 25°C

(77°F).

• The CHARGE lamp turns off when

charging is completed.

For the U.S.A. and Canada

For countries/regions other than the

U.S.A. and Canada

Charging time

About 175 minutes

Plug

CHARGE lamp

To a wall outlet

(wall socket)

CHARGE lamp

Preparing the camera

Inserting the battery pack/memory

card (sold separately)

Open the battery cover by

sliding the lever.

Insert the battery pack

completely, using the tip of

the battery to press the lock

lever.

Lock lever

Close the cover.

Slide and open the memory

card cover.

Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)

To remove the battery pack

To remove the memory card

Make sure that the access lamp is not lit, then open the cover and push the

memory card once.

Insert a memory card.

• With the notched corner facing in the

direction shown, insert the memory

card until it clicks into place.

Ensure that the notched corner faces

the correct direction.

Close the cover.

Turn off the camera and check that the

vibration of the camera has stopped and

that both the LCD screen and access lamp

(page 17) are turned off. Then, slide the

lock lever in the direction of the arrow to

remove the battery pack. Be careful not to

drop the battery pack.

Lock lever

Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)

Preparing the camera

To check the remaining battery level

The supplied battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that can exchange

information related to operating conditions with your camera. The

remaining battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the

operating conditions of your camera.

The following memory cards are compatible with this camera. However, all

memory cards are not guaranteed to work with this camera.

Notes

• Images recorded on a “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media or an SDXC memory

card cannot be imported to or played on computers or AV devices that are not

compatible with exFAT. Make sure that the device is compatible with exFAT before

connecting it to the camera. If you connect your camera to an incompatible device,

you may be prompted to format the card. Never format the card in response to this

prompt, as doing so will erase all data on the card. (exFAT is the file system used on

“Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media or SDXC memory cards.)

Battery level

“Battery

exhausted.”

High Low

You cannot shoot

any more pictures.

Memory cards that you can use

Types of memory card

Still

images

Movies In this manual

Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2)

Memory Stick

PRO Duo

Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo

Memory Stick XC-HG Duo Memory Stick

XC Duo

SD memory card

(Class 4 or faster)

SD card

SDHC memory card

(Class 4 or faster)

SDXC memory card

(Class 4 or faster)

Attaching a lens

Remove the body cap from

the camera and the

packaging lid from the rear

of the lens.

• Quickly change the lens somewhere

away from dusty locations so as to

keep dust or debris from getting

inside the camera.

• When shooting, remove the front lens

cap from the front of the lens.

Front lens cap

Packaging lid

Mount the lens by aligning

the orange index marks

(mounting indexes) on the

lens and camera.

Orange index marks

Turn the lens clockwise until

it clicks into the locked

position.

• Be sure to put the lens on straight.

Body cap

Attaching a lens

Preparing the camera

Notes

• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.

• Do not use force when attaching a lens.

• E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera.

• When using a lens equipped with a tripod socket, attach the socket on the lens side to

the tripod to maintain balance.

• When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the lens

firmly.

• Do not hold the part of the lens that is extended for zoom or focus adjustments.

To remove the lens

Press the lens release button

all the way in and turn the

lens counterclockwise until it

stops.

Lens release button

Attach the caps to the front

and rear of the lens and the

body cap to the camera.

• Before you attach the caps, remove

any dust.

• A rear lens cap is not supplied with

the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II

Lens Kit. If storing the lens without

attaching it to the camera, purchase

Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55.

Attaching a lens

To attach a lens hood

Notes

• A lens hood is not supplied with the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II. You can use the

ALC-SH108 (sold separately).

• The lens hood may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the

flash.

• When storing, turn over the lens hood and place it onto the lens backwards.

Note on changing the lens

When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and

adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that converts light to

electric signal), it may appear as dark spots on the image, depending on the

shooting environment.

The image sensor is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust

from landing on the image sensor. However, attach or remove the lens

quickly somewhere away from dusty locations.

It is recommended that you use a lens

hood to reduce flare and ensure optimum

image quality.

Fit the hood into the mount on the end of

the lens barrel and rotate the hood

clockwise until it clicks.

Preparing the camera

Turning on the camera and setting the

clock

When you turn on the camera for the first time, the date/time setup screen

appears.

Set the power switch to ON to

turn on the camera.

The screen to set date and time appears.

• To turn off the camera, set the power

switch to OFF.

Check that [Enter] is selected

on the LCD screen, then

press the center of the

control button.

Select your area using b/B on the control button, then

press the center of the control button.

Select each item using b/B

and set the numeric value

using v/V.

[Daylight Svg.:]: Turns on or off the

daylight saving time setting.

[Date Format:]: Selects the format

for displaying the date.

• Midnight is indicated as 12:00 AM,

and noon as 12:00 PM.

Turning on the camera and setting the clock

To cancel the date/time setting operation

Press the MENU button.

To set the date/time again

The date/time setup screen appears automatically only when you turn the

camera on for the first time. To set the date and time again, use the menu.

MENU button t 1 t [Date/Time Setup]

To set the area again

You can set the area where you are using the camera. This allows you to set

the local area when you use the camera abroad.

MENU button t 1 t [Area Setting]

Maintaining the date and time setting

This camera has an internal rechargeable battery to maintain the date and

time and other settings regardless of whether the power is on or off or the

battery is installed (page 201).

Repeat step 4 to set other items, then press the center

of the control button.

Check that [Enter] is selected, then press the center of

the control button.

Preparing the camera

Before shooting

Notes

• The dioptric adjustment attachment (sold separately) cannot be used with this

camera.

Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the

camera from moving.

Point 1

Hold the camera with one hand, and support the lens with the other.

Point

Take a secure stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Point

Lightly tuck your elbows against your body. When shooting in a kneeling

position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee.

Adjusting the viewfinder’s visual acuity (diopter

adjustment)

Adjust the diopter-adjustment

dial to your eyesight until the

display appears clearly in the

viewfinder.

Holding the camera properly

In LCD screen mode In viewfinder mode In viewfinder mode

(vertical position)

Shooting and viewing images

Shooting still images

In [Intelligent Auto] mode, the camera analyzes the subject and allows you

to shoot with the appropriate settings.

Select when shooting in a location where flash use is restricted.

Set the mode dial to

(Intelligent Auto) or

(Flash Off).

Hold the camera, monitoring your shot using the LCD

screen or viewfinder.

Overlay the AF area on the

desired subject.

• If the (Camera shake

warning) indicator flashes, carefully

shoot the subject, holding the camera

steady or using a tripod.

• When the camera recognizes the

scene, the Scene Recognition icon

appears on the screen and suitable

settings for that scene will be used.

AF area

When using a zoom lens,

turn the zoom ring, then

decide on your shot.

(Camera shake

warning) indicator

Zoom ring

Shooting still images

Shooting and viewing images

Press the shutter button

halfway down to focus.

When the focus is confirmed, z or

(Focus indicator) lights up

(page 107).

Focus indicator

Press the shutter button fully

down to shoot.

• When [Auto Object Framing] is set to

[Auto] and the camera shoots faces,

close-ups, or subjects tracked by

[Lock-on AF], the camera

automatically trims the image into a

suitable composition. Both the

original and the trimmed images are

saved (page 119).

Recording movies

Notes

• The sound of the camera and the lens in operation may be recorded while recording a

movie. You can disable sound recording by setting [Audio Recording] to [Off]

(page 105).

• The continuous recording time of a movie may be shorter, depending on the ambient

temperature or the status of the camera. See “Notes on continuous movie recording.”

• When the icon appears, the temperature of the camera is too high. Turn the

camera off and wait until the temperature of the camera drops (page 199).

Press the MOVIE button to

start recording.

• Movie recording can be started from

any exposure mode.

• The shutter speed and aperture are

adjusted automatically. If you want to

set them to particular values, set the

mode dial to (Movie) (page 102).

• The camera continues to adjust the

focus when it is in autofocus mode.

MOVIE button

Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.

Shooting and viewing images

Playing back images

Notes

• Movies recorded using other devices may not play back on this camera in some

cases.

Press the button.

button

MENU button t 1 t [Still/Movie Select] t Select

the desired mode

• To play back still images, select [Folder View(Still)], and to play back

movies, select [Folder View(MP4)] or [AVCHD View], depending on the

file format.

Select an image using b/B on the control button.

• To play back movies, press the center of the control button.

During movie playback Control button/control dial operation

To pause/resume z

To fast-forward B

To fast-reverse b

To slow-forward Rotate the control dial to the right during

pause.

To slow-reverse Rotate the control dial to the left during

pause.

• The movie is played back frame-by-

frame.

To adjust sound volume V t v/V

To display the information v

Deleting images (Delete)

Once you have deleted an image, the image cannot be restored. Be sure that

you do not want the image before deleting it.

Notes

• Protected images cannot be deleted.

Display the image you want

to delete and press the

button.

button

Select [Delete] using v on the control button, then

press the center of the control button.

Shooting images to suit your subject

Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen

Adjust the LCD screen to an easily

viewable angle.

• The LCD screen tilts down about 55

degrees and up about 135 degrees.

Selecting a shooting mode

The following shooting modes are available:

Set the mode dial to the desired

shooting mode.

(Intelligent

Auto)/ (Flash Off)

(30, 85)

In [Intelligent Auto] mode, the camera analyzes the subject

and allows you to shoot with the appropriate settings.

Select [Flash Off] when you want to shoot without the flash.

(Superior

Auto) (37, 85)

The camera recognizes and evaluates the shooting conditions,

and appropriate settings are set automatically. The camera

saves 1 appropriate image by combining or extracting

images, as necessary.

(Scene

Selection) (38, 86)

Allows you to shoot with preset settings according to the

scene.

(Sweep

Panorama) (39, 88)

Allows you to shoot panoramic images.

(Picture Effect)

(133)

Allows you to shoot still images with a texture unique to the

selected effect.

(Tele-zoom

Cont. Priority AE)

(40, 90)

The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is

pressed fully down. The camera records images continuously

at a maximum of about 8 images per second.

(Movie) (32,

100)

Allows you to shoot movies with the exposure (both the

shutter speed and the aperture value) adjusted manually.

(Program Auto)

(91)

Allows you to shoot with the exposure (both the shutter speed

and the aperture value) adjusted automatically. The other

settings can be adjusted manually.

(Aperture

Priority) (92)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value

manually using the control dial.

(Shutter Priority)

(94)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed

manually using the control dial.

(Manual

Exposure) (96)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the

shutter speed and the aperture value) manually using the

control dial.

Selecting a shooting mode

Shooting images to suit your subject

Scene recognition

Superior Auto

1 Set the mode dial to (Superior Auto).

2 Point the camera towards the subject, and adjust the focus and

shoot the subject.

When the camera recognizes the subject

and adjusts itself for shooting conditions,

the following information appears on the

screen: Scene Recognition icon,

appropriate shooting function, and the

number of images to be shot.

Recognized scene: (Night Scene),

(Hand-held Twilight),

(Landscape), (Backlight Portrait),

(Portrait), (Tripod Night Scene),

(Backlight), (Macro), (Night

Portrait), (Spotlight), (Low

Brightness), (Baby)

Shooting function: Cont. Shooting,

Slow Sync. (pages 41, 126), Auto HDR

(page 130), Daylight Sync., Slow Shutter,

Hand-held Twilight (page 87)

Scene Recognition icon

Number of images to be shot

Shooting function

Selecting a shooting mode

Scene Selection

1 Set the mode dial to (Scene Selection), then press the

center of the control button.

2 Select the desired mode using v/V, then press the center of

the control button.

• To change the scene, press the Fn button, then select another scene.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

(Portrait) Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens the subject.

Accentuates skin tones softly.

(Sports Action) Shoots a moving subject at a fast shutter speed so that the

subject looks as if it is standing still. The camera shoots

images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.

(Macro) Shoots close-ups of the subjects such as flowers and foods.

(Landscape) Shoots the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid

colors.

(Sunset) Shoots the red of the sunrise or sunset beautifully.

(Night Scene) Shoots night scenes at a distance without losing the dark

atmosphere of the surroundings.

(Hand-held

Twilight)

Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a

tripod. A burst of shots are taken, and image processing is

applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake, and noise.

(Night Portrait) Shoots portraits in night scenes.

Selecting a shooting mode

Shooting images to suit your subject

Sweep Panorama

1 Set the mode dial to (Sweep Panorama).

2 Point the camera at the subject for which you want to adjust the

brightness and focus, and press the shutter button halfway

down.

3 Point the camera at the edge of

the composition while pressing

the shutter button halfway down,

and then press the shutter button

fully down.

This part will not be shot.

4 Pan or tilt the camera to the end,

following the guidance on the

screen.

Guidance bar

Selecting a shooting mode

• When [AEL w/ shutter] is set to [Off], the camera continues to adjust the

exposure even after the first shot in [Cont. Shooting] or [Tele-zoom Cont.

Priority AE] (page 123).

• When [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Continuous AF], the camera continues

to adjust focus during shooting. You can set [ISO] to the desired number.

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE

1 Set the mode dial to (Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE).

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subjects.

• The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is pressed fully

down.

• The center area on the screen is cropped and the camera records the images

continuously at a maximum of about 8 images per second.

• The minimum zoom scale of the camera is set to 2 times and the image size

is set to S.

Shooting techniques

Using the shooting functions

Using the flash

In dark environments, use the flash to shoot the subject brightly and to

prevent camera shake. When shooting against the sun, use the flash to

lighten the image of the backlit subject.

1 Fn button t (Flash Mode) t Select the desired setting

• For further information on the flash modes available for each shooting

mode, see page 75.

2 Press the button.

The built-in flash pops up.

• In [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto],

or [Scene Selection] mode, the built-in

flash does not pop up even if you press

the button. In these modes, the flash

automatically pops up if the amount of

light is insufficient or the subject is

backlit.

button

3 After the flash has finished

charging, shoot the subject.

Blinking: The flash is being charged.

While the indicator is blinking, you

cannot trigger the shutter.

Lit: The flash has been charged and

is ready to fire.

• When you press the shutter button

halfway down under dark lighting in

autofocus mode, the flash may be fired

to help focus on a subject (AF

Illuminator).

(Flash charging) indicator

Using the flash

(Flash Off) Does not fire even if the flash is raised.

• You cannot select this item when the mode dial is set to P,

A, S, or M. If you do not want to use the flash in these

modes, push the flash down.

(Autoflash) Fires in dark environments or when shooting towards bright

light.

(Fill-flash) Fires every time you trigger the shutter.

(Slow Sync.) Fires every time you trigger the shutter. Slow sync shooting

allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the

background by slowing the shutter speed.

(Rear Sync.) Fires right before the exposure is completed every time you

trigger the shutter.

(Wireless) Fires an external flash (sold separately) that is off the camera

and away from it (wireless flash shooting).

Using the shooting functions

Adjusting the image brightness

Normally, the exposure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure).

Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, you can

perform exposure compensation. You can make the entire image brighter

by shifting to the + side. The entire image becomes darker when you shift

to the – side (Exposure compensation).

• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.

• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure

shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 144).

1 Press the button.

button

2 Adjust the exposure using the

control dial.

Toward + (over): Brightens an image.

Toward – (under): Darkens an image.

• In viewfinder mode, confirm the

exposure using the EV scale.

The LCD screen after the

exposure is adjusted.

Compensated exposure

The screen in the viewfinder

Standard exposure

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

Shooting techniques

Adjusting the image brightness

Notes

• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto],

[Superior Auto], or [Scene Selection].

• When the exposure mode is set to M, the exposure can be adjusted only when [ISO]

is set to [AUTO]. Turn the control dial during AE lock to adjust the compensation

value.

• Even though you can adjust the exposure between –3.0 EV and +3.0 EV, only a

value between –2.0 EV and +2.0 EV with the equivalent image brightness appears

on the screen when shooting. If you set an exposure beyond this range, the image

brightness on the screen does not show the effect, but it will be reflected on the

recorded image.

Using the shooting functions

Selecting the drive mode

You can select the appropriate drive mode, such as single, continuous, or

bracket shooting, to suit your purpose.

on the control button t

Select the desired mode

(Single

Shooting) (143)

This mode is for normal shooting.

(Cont. Shooting)

(143)

The camera records images continuously.

(Self-timer) (144) The 10-second self-timer is convenient if the photographer

wants to appear in the photo, while the 2-second self-timer is

convenient for reducing the camera shake.

(Bracket:

Cont.) (144)

You can shoot 3 images, each with different degrees of

exposure.

(Single

Bracket) (144)

You can shoot 3 images, shot by shot, each with different

degrees of exposure.

(WB

bracket) (146)

Based on the selected white balance and the color

temperature/color filter, 3 images are recorded with the white

balance shifted.

Switching the recording information

display (DISP)

Graphic Display

Each time you press DISP on the control

button, the recording information display

changes as follows.

You can set the recording information

display separately for viewfinder mode

and LCD screen mode.

[Graphic Display] shows the shutter

speed and aperture value as graphs, and

clearly illustrates how the exposure

works. The pointers on the shutter speed

indicator and aperture indicator indicate

the current value.

Shutter speed

No Disp. Info.Display All Info.Graphic Display

Aperture value

Using the shooting functions

Setting image size

MENU button t 1 t [Image Size] t Select the desired size

[Aspect Ratio]: [3:2]

[Aspect Ratio]: [16:9]

Notes

• When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], the image size of the RAW

image corresponds to L. This size is not displayed on the screen.

You can set the image size for panoramic images. The image size varies

depending on the setting of the shooting direction (page 89).

MENU button t 1 t [Panorama: Size] t Select the desired

size

Image Size

Image size Usage guidelines

L: 20M 5456 × 3632 pixels For shooting at the highest image

quality

M: 10M 3872 × 2576 pixels For prints up to A3+ size

S: 5.0M 2736 × 1824 pixels For prints up to A5 size

Image size Usage guidelines

L: 17M 5456 × 3064 pixels For viewing on a high-definition

M: 8.4M 3872 × 2176 pixels

S: 4.2M 2736 × 1536 pixels

Panorama: Size

Standard [Panorama: Direction] is set to [Up] [Down]: 3872 × 2160

[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Right] [Left]: 8192 × 1856

Wide [Panorama: Direction] is set to [Up] [Down]: 5536 × 2160

[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Right] [Left]: 12416 × 1856

Using the playback functions

Enlarging images

A still image can be enlarged for closer examination. This is convenient for

checking the focus condition of a recorded image.

To cancel the enlarged playback

Press the center of the control button and the image returns to normal size.

1 Display the image you want to

enlarge, then press the button.

button

2 Zoom the image in or out using the button or button.

• Rotate the control dial to switch images at the same magnification. When

you shoot multiple images with the same composition, you can compare

their focus conditions.

3 Select the portion you want to enlarge using v/V/b/B on the

control button.

Using the playback functions

Switching to the image list display

You can display multiple images on the screen simultaneously.

To return to the single-image screen

Press the center of the control button after selecting the desired image.

To display the desired folder

Press the button.

The image index screen is displayed.

• You can select the number of images

displayed on one page of the image

index screen using [Image Index] in the

Playback menu.

button

Select the bar on the left of the image

index screen using the control button,

then select the desired folder using v/V.

Press the center of the control button

while the bar is selected to switch the

view mode.

Viewing images on a TV screen

To view images that were recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI

cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector

are required (page 155).

1 Turn off both your camera and the

TV, and connect the camera to the

TV.

2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.

• See also the operating instructions supplied with the TV.

3 Turn on the camera, and press the

button.

Images shot using the camera appear on

the TV screen.

Select the desired image using b/B on

the control button.

• The LCD screen on the camera does

not turn on.

button

1 To the HDMI

connector

HDMI cable

(sold separately)

2 To the

HDMI micro jack

Control button

Function list

Functions that can be operated using

the buttons/switch

You can set up or operate various functions using the buttons/switch.

For the location of the buttons/switch, see “Identifying parts” (page 13).

button (41, 126) Pops the flash up.

button (43)/AV button

(96)/ button (48)

Adjusts the exposure./Sets up the aperture value./Scales

an image up when viewing images.

ISO button (129) Adjusts the ISO sensitivity.

FINDER/LCD button (164) Switches the display between the LCD screen and the

viewfinder.

MENU button (55) Displays the menu screen for setting up the menu item.

MOVIE button (32, 100) Records movies.

AEL button (122)/

button (49)/ button (48)

Fixes the exposure of the entire screen./Displays

multiple images on the screen simultaneously./Scales

down an image that has been scaled up when viewing

images.

ZOOM button (140) Magnifies and shoots the subject using the zoom feature

of the camera.

Fn button (52, 53)/

button (149)

Displays the setup screen for a function set using the Fn

button./Rotates images.

Control button Sets up the following functions: Display Contents (46,

78, 147), White Balance (136), Drive Mode (45, 143),

Picture Effect (133), and Autofocus (110).

button (33) Plays back images.

button (62)/ button

(34)

Displays a shooting tip or In-Camera Guide./Deletes

images.

Focus mode switch (106,

114)

Switches the autofocus and manual focus.

Preview button (94)/Focus

Magnifier button (116)

Checks blurring of the background./Allows you to check

the focus by enlarging the image before shooting.

Selecting a function using the Fn

(Function) button

This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in

shooting.

To set up the camera directly from the recording information screen

Turn the control dial without pressing the center z in step 2. You can set

up the camera directly from the recording information screen.

1 Press the Fn button.

2 Select the desired item using v/V/b/B on the control button,

then press the center z to execute.

The setup screen appears.

3 Following the operation guide,

select and execute the desired

function.

Operation guide

Function list

Functions that can be selected using

the Fn (Function) button

The functions that can be selected using the Fn button are as follows:

Scene Selection (38,

86)

Selects an appropriate mode from among the Scene Selection

preset settings to suit shooting conditions.

(Portrait/Sports Action/Macro/Landscape/Sunset/Night

Scene/Hand-held Twilight/Night Portrait)

Movie (102) Selects the exposure mode to suit your subject or your effect

and records movies.

(P/A/S/M)

Drive Mode (45, 143) Sets a drive mode, such as continuous shooting.

(Single Shooting/Cont. Shooting/Self-timer/Bracket: Cont./

Single Bracket/WB bracket)

Flash Mode (41, 126) Sets the flash mode.

(Flash Off/Autoflash/Fill-flash/Slow Sync./Rear Sync./

Wireless)

Autofocus Mode

(109)

Selects the focus method according to the movement of the

subject.

(Single-shot AF/Automatic AF/Continuous AF)

AF area (110) Selects the focus area.

(Wide/Zone/Spot/Local)

Lock-on AF (111) Keeps the focus on a subject while tracking it.

(Off/On/On(Lock-on AF w/ shutter))

Smile/Face Detect.

(117, 120)

Automatically captures people’s face(s) with the optimal

focus and exposure./Shoots when a smile is detected.

(Face Detection Off/Face Detection On (Regist. Faces)/Face

Detection On/Smile Shutter)

Auto Object Framing

(119)

When shooting faces, close-ups, or subjects tracked by

[Lock-on AF], the camera analyzes the scene and

automatically trims the image into a suitable composition.

(Off/Auto)

ISO (129) Sets the sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the faster

the shutter speed.

(Multi Frame Noise Reduct./ISO AUTO, ISO 100 to 16000)

Metering Mode (123) Selects the method for measuring brightness.

(Multi segment/Center weighted/Spot)

Flash Comp. (124) Adjusts the intensity of the flash output.

(–2.0EV to +2.0EV)

Functions that can be selected using the Fn (Function) button

White Balance (136) Adjusts the color tone of images.

(Auto WB/Daylight/Shade/Cloudy/Incandescent/Fluor.:

Warm White/Fluor.: Cool White/Fluor.: Day White/Fluor.:

Daylight/Flash/C.Temp./Filter/Custom)

DRO/Auto HDR (130) Adjusts the brightness and contrast automatically.

(Off/D-Range Opt./Auto HDR)

Creative Style (134) Selects the desired image processing.

(Standard/Vivid/Portrait/Landscape/Sunset/Black & White)

Picture Effect (133) Shoots with the desired effect filter to achieve more

impressive images.

(Off/Toy Camera/Pop Color/Posterization/Retro Photo/Soft

High-key/Partial Color/High Contrast Mono./Soft Focus/

HDR Painting/Rich-tone Mono./Miniature)

Function list

Functions selected using the MENU

button

You can set the basic settings for the camera as a whole or execute

functions such as shooting, playback, or other operations.

Press the MENU button, then set up the desired item using v/V/b/B on the

control button, then press the center of the control button.

Still shooting menu

Select a menu page Select a menu item

Image Size (47) Selects the size of still images.

(L: 20M/M: 10M/S: 5.0M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to

[3:2])

L: 17M/M: 8.4M/S: 4.2M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to

[16:9]))

Aspect Ratio (157) Selects the aspect ratio for still images.

(3:2/16:9)

Quality (157) Sets the image quality for still images.

(RAW/RAW & JPEG/Fine/Standard)

Panorama: Size (47) Selects the size of panoramic images.

(Standard/Wide)

Panorama: Direction

(89)

Sets the shooting direction for panoramic images.

(Right/Left/Up/Down)

Clear Image Zoom

(140)

Zooms an image with higher quality than Digital Zoom.

(On/Off)

Digital Zoom (101,

140)

Zooms an image with higher magnification than Clear Image

Zoom. This feature is also available for movie recording.

(On/Off)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Movie shooting menu

Long Exposure NR

(159)

Sets noise reduction processing for shots with a shutter speed

of 1 second or longer.

(On/Off)

High ISO NR (159) Sets noise reduction processing for high-sensitivity shooting.

(High/Normal/Low)

Flash control (124) Sets the method for determining the intensity of flash output.

(ADI flash/Pre-flash TTL)

AF Illuminator (111) Sets the AF illuminator, which provides light for a dark scene

to aid focusing.

(Auto/Off)

SteadyShot (83) Sets SteadyShot.

(On/Off)

Color Space (160) Changes the range of reproducible colors.

(sRGB/AdobeRGB)

AEL w/ shutter (123) Sets whether to fix the exposure by pressing the shutter

button halfway down. This is convenient when you want to

adjust the focus and exposure separately.

(On/Off)

Shooting Tip List (62) Allows you to access all shooting tips.

File Format (103) Selects the movie file format.

(AVCHD/MP4)

Record Setting (104) Selects the size of the recorded movie frame.

(60i 24M(FX)/50i 24M(FX)/60i 17M(FH)/50i 17M(FH)/24p

24M(FX)/25p 24M(FX)/24p 17M(FH)/25p 17M(FH)/

1440×1080 12M/VGA 3M)

SteadyShot (83) Sets SteadyShot.

(On/Off)

AF Track. Duration

(102)

Sets the tracking sensitivity of the autofocus feature for

movie recording.

(High/Mid/Low)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Function list

Custom menu

Audio Recording

(105)

Sets whether to record audio when shooting a movie.

(On/Off)

Wind Noise Reduct.

(105)

Reduces wind noise during movie recording.

(On/Off)

Eye-Start AF Sets whether to use auto focus when you look through the

viewfinder.

(On/Off)

FINDER/LCD Setting

(164)

Sets the method for switching between the viewfinder and

LCD screen.

(Auto/Manual)

Red Eye Reduction Reduces the red-eye phenomenon during flash use.

(On/Off)

Release w/o Lens

(160)

Sets whether the shutter can open when a lens is not attached.

(Enable/Disable)

S. Auto Cont.

Shooting (85)

Sets whether to shoot continuously in [Superior Auto] mode.

(Auto/Off)

S. Auto Image

Extract. (85)

Sets whether to save all the images that were shot

continuously in [Superior Auto] mode.

(Auto/Off)

Grid Line (161) Sets a grid line display to enable alignment to a structural

outline.

(Rule of 3rds Grid/Square Grid/Diag. + Square Grid/Off)

Auto Review (161) Displays the captured image after shooting. Sets auto review.

(10 Sec/5 Sec/2 Sec/Off)

DISP Button(Monitor)

(78)

Sets the LCD screen display modes that can be selected by

pressing DISP on the control button.

(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./

Histogram/For viewfinder)

DISP Button(Finder)

(78)

Sets the viewfinder screen display modes that can be selected

by pressing DISP on the control button.

(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./

Histogram)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Peaking Level (115) Enhances the outline of in-focus ranges with a specific color

in manual focus mode.

(High/Mid/Low/Off)

Peaking Color (115) Sets the color used for the peaking function.

(Red/Yellow/White)

Live View Display

(80)

Sets whether to display the effect of a function on the screen,

such as the effect of the exposure compensation value.

(Setting Effect ON/Setting Effect OFF)

Func. of AEL button

(161)

Assigns the desired function to the AEL button.

(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/

AF area/Smile/Face Detect./Auto Object Framing/ISO/

Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto

HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL

hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Lock-on AF/

AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/Zoom/Focus

Magnifier)

ISO Button (162) Assigns the desired function to the ISO button.

(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/

AF area/Smile/Face Detect./Auto Object Framing/ISO/

Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto

HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL

hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Lock-on AF/

AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/Zoom/Focus

Magnifier)

Preview Button (162) Selects the function to be assigned to the preview button.

(Shot. Result Preview/Aperture Preview/Focus Magnifier)

Focus Hold Button Sets the function of the focus hold button of the lens.

(Focus Hold/D.O.F.Preview)

MOVIE Button Sets whether to always activate the MOVIE button.

(Always/Movie Mode Only)

Lens Comp.: Shading

(165)

Compensates for shaded corners on the screen caused by the

attached lens.

(Auto/Off)

Lens Comp.: Chro.

Aber. (165)

Reduces the color deviation at the corners of the screen

caused by the attached lens.

(Auto/Off)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Function list

Playback menu

* Available items differ depending on the view mode.

Lens Comp.:

Distortion (165)

Compensates for distortion on the screen caused by the

attached lens.

(Auto/Off)

e-Front Curtain

Shutter (163)

Sets whether or not to use the electronic front curtain shutter

function.

(On/Off)

Face Registration

(118)

Registers or changes the person to be given priority when

focusing.

(New Registration/Order Exchanging/Delete/Delete All)

Still/Movie Select

(149)

Allows you to determine how to group the playback images.

(Folder View(Still)/Folder View(MP4)/AVCHD View)

Delete (34, 153)* Deletes images.

(Multiple Img./All in Folder/All AVCHD view files)

Slide Show (150) Plays a slide show.

(Repeat/Interval/Image Type)

Image Index (49) Displays the image list.

(4 Images/9 Images)

Protect (152)* Protects images, or cancels the protection.

(Multiple Img./Cancel All Images/Cancel All Movies(MP4)/

Cancel All AVCHD view files)

Specify Printing

(184)

Specifies or unspecifies the images for DPOF.

(DPOF Setup/Date Imprint)

Volume Settings Sets the volume for movie playback.

Playback Display

(150)

Sets how to play back an image recorded in portrait.

(Auto Rotate/Manual Rotate)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Memory Card Tool menu

Clock setup menu

Setup menu

Format (166) Formats the memory card.

File Number (166) Sets the method used to assign file numbers to still images

and MP4 movies.

(Series/Reset)

Folder Name (166) Sets the folder format for still images.

(Standard Form/Date Form)

Select REC Folder

(167)

Changes the selected folder for storing still images and MP4

movies.

New Folder (167) Creates a new folder for storing still images and MP4 movies.

Recover Image DB

(168)

Recovers the image database file and enables recording and

playback.

Display Card Space Displays the remaining recording time of movies and the

recordable number of still images on the memory card.

Date/Time Setup (27) Sets date and time and daylight savings.

Area Setting (28) Selects the area where you are using the camera.

Menu start Selects a first-displayed menu from the top menu or the last

menu screen.

(Top/Previous)

Mode Dial Guide Turns on or off the mode dial guide (the explanation of each

shooting mode).

(On/Off)

LCD Brightness Sets the brightness of the LCD screen.

Viewfinder Bright.

(163)

Sets the brightness of the viewfinder.

(Auto/Manual)

Viewfinder Color

Temp.

Sets the color temperature of the screen in the viewfinder.

Setting it toward + makes the color cooler, and toward –

makes the color warmer.

(+2 to 0 to –2)

Functions selected using the MENU button

Function list

* Appears when an Eye-Fi card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera.

Power Save (164) Sets the level of the power saving feature.

(Max/Standard)

Power Saving Start

Time (164)

Sets the interval after which power save mode engages.

(30 Min/5 Min/1 Min/20 Sec/10 Sec)

HDMI Resolution

(155)

Sets the resolution when the camera is connected to an HDMI

TV.

(Auto/1080p/1080i)

CTRL FOR HDMI

(156)

Operates the camera from a TV that supports “BRAVIA”

Sync.

(On/Off)

Upload Settings*

(168)

Sets whether to use the upload function of the camera with an

Eye-Fi card.

(On/Off)

USB Connection

(177)

Selects the appropriate USB connection method for each

computer or USB device connected to the camera.

(Auto/Mass Storage/MTP/PC Remote)

USB LUN Setting

(177)

Enhances compatibility by limiting the functions of USB

connection. Normally, use [Multi], and if you cannot make a

connection, set it to [Single].

(Multi/Single)

Audio signals Sets whether to use the beep sound when the focus is

achieved or the self-timer is working.

(On/Off)

Version (174) Displays the camera software version.

Language Selects the language.

Cleaning Mode (186) Starts cleaning mode to clean the image sensor.

Demo Mode Sets the demonstration playback of a movie to on or off.

(On/Off)

Initialize (170) Restores the settings to their defaults.

(Reset Default/Rec mode reset/Custom reset)

Using the guide function of the camera

The camera displays shooting tips in accordance with the shooting mode

selected.

In-Camera Guide

When you press the (In-Camera Guide)

button on the Fn (Function) screen or

menu screen, a guide for the currently

selected function or setting automatically

appears.

To select unavailable functions or

settings on the Fn screen, press the center

of the control button to display the

appropriate setup to enable them.

(In-Camera Guide) button

Shooting Tips

1 Press the (In-Camera Guide)

button when the recording

information display is displayed.

A shooting tip list for the current subject

automatically appears.

(In-Camera Guide) button

2 Select the desired shooting tip using v/V on the control button,

then press the center of the control button.

The shooting tip is displayed.

• You can scroll the screen using v/V.

• You can select the item using b/B.

Using the guide function of the camera

Function list

To access all shooting tips

You can search through all the shooting tips from the menu.

Use this item when you want to read shooting tips you have seen before.

MENU button t 3 t [Shooting Tip List]t Select the desired

shooting tip

Viewing images on a computer

What you can do with software

To utilize images recorded with the camera, use the following software:

• “PlayMemories Home” (Windows only)

You can import still images or movies recorded with the camera to your

computer so that you can view them, and use various convenient features

to enhance the images you have shot. “PlayMemories Home” is required

when importing AVCHD movies to your computer.

• “Image Data Converter”

You can retouch RAW format images and convert them into JPEG/TIFF

format.

Installing “PlayMemories Home” (for Windows only)

You can install “PlayMemories Home” from the following URL (page 66):

www.sony.net/pm

What you can do with “PlayMemories Home”

Importing images

from your camera

Viewing images

on calendar

Uploading images to network

service

Sharing images on

“PlayMemories Online”

Creating a movie

disc

What you can do with software

Viewing images on a computer

Notes

• An Internet connection is required to install “PlayMemories Home.”

• An Internet connection is required to use “PlayMemories Online” or other network

services. “PlayMemories Online” or other network services may not be available in

some countries or regions.

• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Macs. Use the applications that are

installed on your Mac. For details, visit the following URL:

http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/

With “Image Data Converter,” you can do the following:

• You can play back and edit images recorded in RAW format with various

corrections, such as tone curve and sharpness.

• You can adjust images with white balance, exposure, and [Creative

Style], etc.

• You can save the images displayed and edited on a computer.

You can either save the image as RAW format or save it in the general

file format (JPEG/TIFF).

• You can display and compare the RAW images and JPEG images

recorded by this camera.

• You can rank images in 5 grades.

• You can apply color labels, etc.

Installing “Image Data Converter” (Windows/Mac)

You can download “Image Data Converter” from the following URL

(page 67):

http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/

Notes

• An Internet connection is required to install “Image Data Converter.”

What you can do with “Image Data Converter”

Installing the software

• Log on as Administrator.

• If the software “PMB (Picture Motion Browser),” supplied with models

released before 2011, has already been installed on your computer,

“PlayMemories Home” will overwrite it and will be installed. Although

some “PlayMemories Home” functions differ from those of “PMB,” use

“PlayMemories Home.”

For details on how to use “PlayMemories Home,” refer to the

“PlayMemories Home Help Guide.”

Double-click the [PlayMemories Home Help Guide] icon on the

desktop.

• To access the “PlayMemories Home Help Guide” from the start menu: Click

[Start] t [All Programs] t [PlayMemories Home] t [PlayMemories

Home Help Guide].

Installing “PlayMemories Home”

1 Using the Internet browser on your computer, go to the

following URL, then click [Install] t [Run].

www.sony.net/pm

2 Follow the instructions on the

screen to complete the

installation.

• When the message to connect the

camera to a computer is displayed,

connect the camera and computer using

the micro USB cable (supplied).

Viewing “PlayMemories Home Help Guide”

To a USB jack

Installing the software

Viewing images on a computer

• For Windows 8, select the [PlayMemories Home] icon on the Start screen,

then launch “PlayMemories Home” and select [PlayMemories Home Help

Guide] from the [Help] menu.

• For details on “PlayMemories Home,” you can also see the following

PlayMemories Home support page (English only):

http://www.sony.co.jp/pmh-se/

For details on how to use “Image Data Converter,” refer to the “Image Data

Converter Guide.”

For Windows:

Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Image Data Converter] t

[Help] t [Image Data Converter Ver.4].

For Mac:

Start Finder t [Applications] t [Image Data Converter] t

[Image Data Converter Ver.4] t In the menu bar, choose “Help”

t “Image Data Converter Guide.”

• For Windows 8, start “Image Data Converter Ver.4” t In the menu bar,

choose “Help” t “Image Data Converter Guide.”

• For details on “Image Data Converter,” you can also see the following “Image

Data Converter” support page (English only):

http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/

Installing “Image Data Converter”

1 Using the Internet browser on your computer, go to the

following URL.

For Windows: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Win/

For Mac: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/

2 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the

installation.

Viewing “Image Data Converter Guide”

Installing the software

To use “Remote Camera Control,” connect the camera to a computer. The

following functions are available.

• You can set up the camera or shoot an image from the computer.

• You can record an image directly to the computer.

• You can perform Interval Timer Shooting.

• For details on how to use “Remote Camera Control,” refer to the “Help.”

Installing “Remote Camera Control”

1 Using the Internet browser on your computer, go to the

following URL.

For Windows: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Win/

For Mac: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/

2 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the

installation.

Viewing images on a computer

Selecting the method for creating a

movie disc

Depending on the disc type, playable devices may vary. Select the method

that suits your disc player.

There are two ways to create a movie disc. Use “PlayMemories Home” on

your computer or create a disc using devices other than a computer, such as

a recorder.

* Movies recorded with the [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p

24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are converted by “PlayMemories Home” in

order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time.

Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep

the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray disc (page 182).

Disc type/usage

Record setting

available

Player

FX FH

To keep high-definition

image quality (HD)

Blu-ray disc playback devices

(Sony Blu-ray disc player,

PlayStation®3, etc.)

To keep high-definition

image quality (HD) (AVCHD

recording disc)

–*

AVCHD format playback

devices

(Sony Blu-ray disc player,

PlayStation®3, etc.)

To keep standard definition

image quality (STD)

–* –*

Ordinary DVD playback devices

(DVD player, computer that can

play DVDs, etc.)

Selecting the method for creating a movie disc

You can import AVCHD movies to a computer using “PlayMemories

Home,” and create an AVCHD recording disc or a standard definition

quality (STD) disc.

For details on how to create a disc using “PlayMemories Home,” see

“PlayMemories Home Help Guide.”

Notes

• To create Blu-ray discs using “PlayMemories Home,” install our proprietary add-on

software. For details, access the following URL:

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/BDUW/

• PlayStation®3 may not be available in some countries/regions.

• Movies recorded with the [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p

24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are converted by “PlayMemories Home” in

order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time.

Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep

the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray disc (page 182).

You can create a disc using a Blu-ray disc recorder, etc.

The disc type you can create depends on the device used.

Notes

• For details on how to create a disc, refer to the operating instructions of the device

you use.

Creating a disc using a computer

Creating a disc with a device other than a computer

Device Disc type

Blu-ray disc recorder: To

create a Blu-ray disc or

DVD with standard image

quality (STD)

High-definition

image quality

(HD)

Standard

definition

image quality

(STD)

HDD recorder, etc.: To

create a DVD with

standard image quality

(STD)

Standard definition image quality

(STD)

Others

List of screen icons

Graphic Display (LCD screen)

Display All Info. (LCD screen)

For playback (Basic information

display)

Display Indication

P A S M

Exposure mode (36)

Scene Recognition icons

(37, 85)

Memory card (21, 205)/

Upload (168)

100 Remaining number of

recordable images

Aspect ratio of still

images (157)

20M 10M

5.0M 17M

8.4M 4.2M

Image size of still images

(47)

Image quality of still

images (157)

Frame rate of movies

(104)

Image size of movies

(104)

100% Remaining battery (23)

List of screen icons

Flash charge in progress

(41)

Setting Effect OFF (80)

No audio recording of

movies (105)

SteadyShot/Camera

shake warning (83)

SteadyShot error (197)

Overheating warning (10)

Database file full (199)/

Database file error (199)

View Mode (149)

100-0003 Folder - file number

(179)

- Protect (152)

DPOF DPOF set (184)

Remaining battery

warning (23)

Display Indication

Spot metering area (123)

AF area (110)

Smart Zoom (140)

Clear Image Zoom (140)

Digital Zoom (140)

Zoom magnification

Shutter speed indicator

(46)

Aperture indicator (46)

Display Indication

REC 0:12 Recording time of the

movie (m:s)

z Focus (31, 107)

1/250 Shutter speed (94)

F4.0 Aperture (92)

EV scale (43, 97, 146)

(Only for viewfinder)

+3.0 Exposure compensation

(43)

AE lock (122)

Auto HDR image

warning (131)

Picture Effect error (134)

ISO400 ISO sensitivity (129)

3/7 File number/Number of

images in the view mode

2013-1-1

10:37AM

Date of recording

Display Indication

Drive mode (45, 143)

Flash mode (41, 126)/

Red-eye reduction (57)

Focus mode (109)

AF area (110)

Lock-on AF (111)

List of screen icons

Others

Face Detection (117)/

Smile Shutter (120)

Auto Object Framing

(119)

Smile Detection

Sensitivity indicator

(120)

Display Indication

Metering mode (123)

Flash compensation (124)

AWB

7500K

A5 G5

White balance (Auto,

Preset, Custom, Color

temperature, Color filter)

(136)

D-Range Optimizer

(130)/Auto HDR (131)

+3 +3 +3

Creative Style (134)/

Contrast, Saturation,

Sharpness

Picture Effect (133)

Display Indication

Functions available for each shooting

mode

The functions you can use depend on the selected shooting mode.

In the table below, indicates the function is available, and a – indicates

the function is not available.

The functions you cannot use are displayed in gray on the screen.

* When the exposure mode is set to M, the exposure can be adjusted only

when [ISO] is set to [AUTO].

Shoot Mode

Exposure

Comp.

(43)

Self-timer

(144)

Cont.

Shooting

(143)

Face

Detection

(117)

Smile

Shutter

(120)

Auto

Object

Framing

(119)

(30, 85) –

(37,

85)

–

(38, 86)

––

––– ––

––

(39, 88) –––––

(40, 90) –––––

(91)

(92)

(94)

(96) *

(32, 100) *––

Others

Flash modes available

The flash modes you can select depend on the shooting mode and functions

selected.

In the table below, indicates the function is selectable, and a – indicates

the function is not selectable.

The flash modes you cannot select are displayed in gray on the screen.

Shoot Mode

(Flash

Off)

(Autoflash)

(Fill-

flash)

(Slow

Sync.)

(Rear

Sync.)

(Wireless)

(30, 85) –– –

(30, 85) –––––

(37,

85)

–– –

(38, 86)

–– –

––––

–– –

––––

–––––

––––

(39, 88) –––––

(40, 90) ––

(91) ––

(92) ––

(94) ––

(96) ––

(32, 100) –––––

Advanced Operations

This section provides further information

on operating the camera.

Preparation (Advanced Operations)

Preparation

Prepara tion (Advanced Operations)

Setting up the camera

When attaching the FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) to the

camera, remove the Eyepiece cup.

Notes

• When you attach an FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) to the camera, set

[FINDER/LCD Setting] to [Manual] in the Custom menu and switch the display

between the viewfinder and the LCD screen by pressing the FINDER/LCD button.

Setting [Eye-Start AF] to [Off] is recommended because the eyepiece sensors

located above the viewfinder may be activated.

Removing the Eyepiece cup

Carefully slide the Eyepiece cup off

by pushing on each side.

• Put your fingers under the Eyepiece cup,

and slide it upward.

Shooting mode screen display

You can select the desired screen mode. When you switch the screen by

pressing DISP on the control button (page 46), only selected screens are

displayed. You can set the screens to be displayed on the LCD screen and

the viewfinder separately.

Selecting the screen mode

1 MENU button t 2 t [DISP Button(Monitor)] or [DISP

Button(Finder)]

2 Select the desired display using v/V/b/B on the control

button, then press the center of the control button.

3 Press the MENU button.

Shooting mode screen display

Preparation (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The histogram does not indicate the final recorded image. It indicates the condition

of the image just monitored on the screen. The histogram will differ based on

aperture setting, etc.

• The histogram differs between shooting and playback in the following situations:

– When firing the flash.

– When the subject has low light intensity, such as night scenery.

Histogram

The histogram displays the luminance

distribution that shows how many pixels

of a particular brightness exist in the

picture.

The exposure compensation will change

the histogram accordingly.

Both ends of the histogram show a high-

key or low-key portion. You cannot

restore these areas with a computer later.

Adjust the exposure if necessary and

shoot again.

Number of pixels

Dark Light

Shooting mode screen display

You can monitor the subject through the lens without displaying effects,

such as [Exposure Comp.], [White Balance], [Creative Style], [Picture

Effect], etc.

MENU button t 2 t [Live View Display] t [Setting Effect

OFF]

• When [Setting Effect OFF] is selected, the Live View image in M mode

is always displayed with the appropriate brightness.

Notes

• [Setting Effect OFF] cannot be selected when the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent

Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep Panorama], [Movie], or [Scene Selection].

When [For viewfinder] in [DISP Button(Monitor)] is activated, the LCD

screen can be set to the mode suitable for shooting with the viewfinder by

pressing DISP on the control button.

See pages in parentheses for operation details.

Monitoring the subject through the lens without effects

displayed

List of viewfinder mode icons

In [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto],

or [Scene Selection] mode

In [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE],

[Picture Effect], P/A/S/M,

or [Sweep Panorama] mode

Shooting mode screen display

Preparation (Advanced Operations)

Display Indication

P A S M

Exposure mode (36)

Memory card (21, 205)/

Upload (168)

100 Remaining number of

recordable images

Aspect ratio of still

images (157)

20M 10M

5.0M 17M

8.4M 4.2M

Image size of still images

(47)

Image quality of still

images (157)

Frame rate of movies

(104)

Image size of movies

(104)

100% Remaining battery (23)

Flash charge in progress

(41)

Setting Effect OFF (80)

No audio recording of

movies (105)

SteadyShot/Camera

shake warning (83)

SteadyShot error (197)

Overheating warning (10)

Database file full (199)/

Database file error (199)

Display Indication

Drive mode (45, 143)

Flash mode (41, 126)/

Red-eye reduction (57)

Focus mode (109)

AF area (110)

Lock-on AF (111)

Face Detection (117)/

Smile Shutter (120)

Metering mode (123)

AWB

7500K

A5 G5

White balance (Auto,

Preset, Custom, Color

temperature, Color filter)

(136)

D-Range Optimizer

(130)/Auto HDR (131)

+3 +3 +3

Creative Style (134)/

Contrast, Saturation,

Sharpness

Display Indication

Shooting mode screen display

Picture Effect (133)

Auto Object Framing

(119)

Display Indication

1/125 Shutter speed (94)

F3.5 Aperture (92)

Exposure compensation

(43)/Metered Manual

(97)

Flash compensation (124)

EV scale (146)

ISO AUTO ISO sensitivity (129)

AE lock (122)

Histogram (79)

z Lock-on

Lock-on AF (111)

Display Indication

Preparation (Advanced Operations)

Shooting a clear image without camera

shake

“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs

during shooting, resulting in a blurred image.

To reduce camera shake, follow the instructions below.

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is displayed only in modes that

automatically set the shutter speed. This indicator is not displayed in M/S modes or

when you record movies.

The SteadyShot function is available with this camera to reduce camera

shake. The SteadyShot function can be set separately for still image

shooting and for movie recording.

The SteadyShot function is set to [On] in the default settings.

MENU button t 3 or 1 t [SteadyShot] t Select the

desired setting

Notes

• The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been

turned on, right after you point the camera towards a subject, or when the shutter

button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.

Camera shake warning indicator

When the camera detects potential

camera shake, the (Camera shake

warning) indicator flashes. In this case,

use a tripod or the flash.

(Camera shake warning)

indicator

Using the SteadyShot function

Shooting a clear image without camera shake

In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a

tripod.

• Shooting without a flash under dark conditions.

• Shooting with slow shutter speeds, which are typically used in night-time

shooting.

• Shooting close-ups of the subjects, such as in macro shooting.

• Shooting with a telescopic lens.

Notes

• When using a tripod, deactivate the SteadyShot function, as it may cause a

malfunction.

Using a tripod

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Shooting

Shooting (Ad vanced Oper ations)

Selecting the shooting mode

Set the mode dial to (Intelligent Auto), and shoot images

(page 30).

• Select (Flash Off) when shooting in a location where the use of flash

is restricted.

Notes

• Since the camera turns on the automatic setting function, many features will be

unavailable, such as exposure compensation and ISO setting. If you want to adjust

various settings, set the mode dial to P, then shoot your subject.

Set the mode dial to (Superior Auto), and shoot images

(page 37).

To set continuous shooting

MENU button t 1 t [S. Auto Cont. Shooting] t Select the

desired setting

To select the storage method to be used for recorded images

In continuous shooting, you can select a storage method that allows the

camera either to store 1 appropriate image from among the continuously

shot images or to store all the images.

MENU button t 1 t [S. Auto Image Extract.] t Select the

desired setting

Notes

• Even if you set [S. Auto Image Extract.] to [Off], when [Hand-held Twilight] is

selected as a recognized scene mode, 1 combined image is saved.

• When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], performance will be affected.

Intelligent Auto/ Flash Off

Superior Auto

Selecting the shooting mode

Set the mode dial to (Scene Selection), select the desired

mode, and shoot images (page 38).

Scene Selection

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting with preset settings based on the scene

(Portrait) Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens

the subject. Accentuates skin tones

softly.

• To blur the background more, set the

lens to the telephoto position.

• You can shoot a vivid image by

focusing on the eye that is closer to the lens.

• Use the lens hood to shoot backlit subjects.

• Use the red-eye reduction function if the eyes of your

subject turn red from the flash (page 57).

(Sports Action) Shoots a moving subject at a fast

shutter speed so that the subject looks

as if it is standing still. The camera

shoots images continuously while the

shutter button is pressed.

• Press and hold the shutter button

halfway down and wait for the right moment.

(Macro) Shoots close-ups of the subjects such as

flowers, foods.

• You can shoot a closer subject using

a macro lens (sold separately).

• Set the flash mode to [Flash Off]

when you shoot a subject within 1 m

(3.3 feet).

• When shooting in macro mode, the SteadyShot function

will not be fully effective. Use a tripod to achieve better

results.

• The shortest focal distance does not change.

(Landscape) Shoots the entire range of scenery in

sharp focus with vivid colors.

• To accentuate the openness of the

scenery, set the lens to wide angle.

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• When you want finer images, set the mode dial to P, A, S, or M and use

the [Creative Style] function (page 134) so that you can adjust the

exposure, ISO, etc.

(Sunset) Shoots the red of the sunrise or sunset

beautifully.

(Night Scene) Shoots night scenes at a distance

without losing the dark atmosphere of

the surroundings.

• The shutter speed is slower, so we

recommend using a tripod.

• The picture may not be taken

properly when shooting a night scene in total darkness.

(Hand-held

Twilight)

Shoots night scenes with less noise and

blur without using a tripod. A burst of

shots are taken, and image processing

is applied to reduce subject blur,

camera shake, and noise.

• Blur reduction is less effective when

shooting:

– Subjects with erratic movement

– Subjects too close to the camera

– Subjects with little contrast such as the sky, a sandy

beach, or a lawn

– Subjects that change constantly, such as waves or

waterfalls

• Block noise may occur when using a light source that

flickers, such as fluorescent lighting.

(Night Portrait) Shoots portraits in night scenes.

• The shutter speed is slower, so we

recommend using a tripod.

Shooting technique

Selecting the shooting mode

Notes

• Since the camera judges the settings automatically, many features will be

unavailable, such as exposure compensation and ISO setting.

• The flash is set to [Autoflash] or [Flash Off] for each [Scene Selection] mode. You

can change these settings (pages 41, 75, 126).

Set the mode dial to (Sweep Panorama), and shoot images

(page 39).

Notes

• If you cannot pan or tilt the camera across the entire subject within the given time, a

gray area occurs in the composed image. If this happens, move the camera faster to

record a full panoramic image.

• Since several images are stitched together, the stitched part will not be recorded

smoothly. While shooting, do not tilt the camera back and forth or right and left as

you swing the camera straight ahead of you.

• Under low light conditions, panoramic images may be blurred or not recorded.

• Under flickering lights such as fluorescent lights, the brightness or color of the

combined image is not always the same.

• When the panoramic shot overall and the angle in which you fixed the focus and

exposure with AE/AF lock are extremely different in brightness, color and focus, the

shot will not be successful. If this happens, change the lock angle and shoot again.

• [Sweep Panorama] is not suitable when shooting:

– Moving subjects.

– Subjects too close to the camera.

– Subjects with little contrast such as the sky, a sandy beach, or a lawn.

– Subjects that change constantly, such as waves or waterfalls.

– Subjects for which the sun or electric lights, etc., are much brighter than the

surroundings.

• [Sweep Panorama] recording may stop in the following situations:

– You pan or tilt the camera too fast or too slow.

– There is too much camera shake.

Sweep Panorama

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting expansive scenery or high-rise buildings with dynamic composition.

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• The camera continues shooting during [Sweep Panorama] recording, and the shutter

keeps clicking until the end of the shot.

• [Auto Object Framing] and the zoom feature of the camera cannot be used.

Tips for shooting a panoramic image

• In [Sweep Panorama], we recommend that you use a wide-angle lens.

• When you use a lens that has a long focal length, pan or tilt the camera

more slowly than when you use a wide-angle lens.

• Determine the scene and press the shutter button halfway, so that you can

lock the focus and exposure. Then, press the shutter button fully down

and pan the camera.

• If greatly varied shapes or scenery are concentrated along a screen edge,

the image composition may fail. In such cases, adjust the frame

composition so that the section is in the center of the image, then shoot

again.

To change the image size

You can select the image size: MENU button t 1 t [Panorama:

Size].

To set the pan or tilt direction

You can set the direction in which to pan or tilt the camera.

MENU button t 1 t [Panorama: Direction] t Select the

desired setting

Pan or tilt the camera in an arc with a

constant velocity and in the same

direction as the indication on the screen.

[Sweep Panorama] is better suited for

still subjects than moving ones.

Radius as short as

possible

Vertical

direction

Horizontal direction

Selecting the shooting mode

Set the mode dial to (Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE), and

shoot images (page 40).

• The minimum zoom scale of the camera is set to 2 times and the image

size is set to S.

• When [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Continuous AF], the camera continues

to adjust focus during shooting. You can set [ISO] to the desired number.

• In manual focus mode or when the autofocus mode is set to [Single-shot

AF], you can adjust the ISO sensitivity and the aperture. When [Single-

shot AF] is selected, the focus is fixed at the first image.

Notes

• Depending on the ISO or aperture setting, the shutter speed is slower and the

continuous shooting speed may become slower.

• The Face Detection function is turned off.

• When [Auto HDR] is selected, the DRO process is performed temporarily according

to the DRO setting.

• When (Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE) is selected, you cannot set [Quality] to

[RAW] or [RAW & JPEG].

• Our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting may be slower,

depending on shooting conditions (Image size, ISO setting, High ISO NR, or the

setting of [Lens Comp.: Distortion]).

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting a fast-moving subject continuously to capture a moment.

z Shooting children’s facial expressions that change from moment to moment.

Shooting techniques

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Program Shift

Program Auto

This mode is suitable for

z Changing settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, D-Range Optimizer, etc.

while using automatic exposure.

1 Set the mode dial to P.

2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings (pages 106

to 146).

• To fire the flash, press the button.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

You can temporarily change the shutter

speed and aperture value combination

while keeping the correct exposure

determined by the camera.

Rotate the control dial to select your

desired combination while the focus is

achieved.

The exposure mode indication changes to

“P*.”

Selecting the shooting mode

Aperture Priority

This mode is suitable for

z Placing the subject in sharp focus and blurring everything in front of and beyond

the subject. Opening the aperture narrows the range that is in focus. (Depth of

field becomes shallower.)

z Shooting depth of scenery. Narrowing the aperture widens the range that is in

focus. (Depth of field becomes deeper.)

1 Set the mode dial to A.

2 Select the aperture value (F-

number) using the control dial.

• Smaller F-number: The foreground and

background of the subject are blurred.

Larger F-number: The subject and its

foreground and background are all in

focus.

• You cannot check the blurring of an

image on the LCD screen or in the

viewfinder. Check the recorded image

and adjust the aperture.

Aperture (F-number)

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value.

When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.

• To blur the background more, use a telephoto lens or a lens that is

equipped with a smaller aperture value (bright lens).

• You can check the approximate blurring of the image before recording

using the preview button.

Notes

• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, the flash range differs

according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range

under “Specifications.”

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the

subject.

The shutter speed is automatically

adjusted to obtain the correct exposure.

• When the camera judges that the proper

exposure cannot be obtained using the

selected aperture value, the shutter

speed flashes. If this happens, adjust

the aperture again.

Shutter speed

Shooting techniques

Selecting the shooting mode

To check blurring of the background (Preview button)

• Press the preview button after you adjust the focus.

• You can adjust the aperture in preview mode.

Notes

• When [Focus Magnifier] is assigned to the preview button, set [Preview Button] to

[Shot. Result Preview] or [Aperture Preview] in the Custom menu (page 162).

The LCD screen and the viewfinder show

an image captured with the widest

aperture. The change in aperture affects

the sharpness of the subject image,

creating a discrepancy between the

sharpness of the image before shooting

and that of the actual image.

While you are pressing the preview

button, you can see the image with the

aperture used in the actual shot so that

you can check the approximate sharpness

of the subject before shooting.

Preview button

Shutter 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 movement.

z Tracing movement to express dynamism and flow. Use a slower shutter speed to

shoot a trailing image of a moving subject.

1 Set the mode dial to S.

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.

• When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator does not appear in [Shutter Priority]

mode.

• The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more conspicuous the noise.

• When the shutter speed is 1 second or longer, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR)

will be performed for the same amount of time that the shutter was open after

shooting. You cannot shoot during noise reduction.

2 Select the shutter speed using the

control dial.

Shutter speed

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the

subject.

The aperture is automatically adjusted to

obtain the correct exposure.

• When the camera judges that the proper

exposure cannot be obtained with the

selected shutter speed, the aperture

value flashes. If this happens, adjust the

shutter speed again.

Aperture (F-number)

Shooting techniques

Selecting the shooting mode

• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, when using the flash, if

you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, the

light of the flash will not reach distant subjects.

Manual Exposure

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed

and aperture.

1 Set the mode dial to M.

2 Rotate the control dial to adjust

the shutter speed, and while

pressing the AV button, rotate the

control dial to adjust the aperture.

• You can set [ISO] to [AUTO] even in

[Manual Exposure] mode. When [ISO]

is set to [AUTO], the ISO sensitivity

automatically changes for proper

exposure according to the set shutter

speed and aperture value.

• When [ISO] is set to [AUTO], if proper

exposure is not obtained with your

settings, the setting value indicators on

the screen will flash. In this case, adjust

the shutter speed or aperture value

again.

AV button

Shutter speed

Aperture (F-number)

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not displayed in manual exposure

mode.

• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, the flash range differs

according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range

under “Specifications.”

3 Shoot the image after the

exposure is set.

• When [ISO] is set to other than

[AUTO], check the exposure value

using Metered Manual*.

Toward +: Images become brighter.

Toward –: Images become darker.

* When the camera is in M mode, it will

show an under or over compensation

value based on the correct exposure. In

LCD screen mode, a numeric value is

displayed. In viewfinder mode, the

value is indicated on the EV scale.

LCD screen

Metered Manual

The screen in the viewfinder

Metered Manual

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.

Selecting the shooting mode

• Use a tripod.

• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks,

etc. When the infinity position of the lens is not known, first adjust the

focus on fireworks that are being set off in the same general area, then

shoot them.

2 Rotate the control dial to the left

until [BULB] is displayed.

BULB

3 While pressing the AV button,

rotate the control dial to adjust

the aperture (F-number).

AV button

4 Press the shutter button halfway down to adjust the focus.

5 Press and hold the shutter button for the duration of the shot.

As long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open.

Shooting techniques

Selecting the shooting mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• If you use a Remote Commander* that is equipped with a shutter button

lock function (sold separately), you can keep the shutter open using the

Remote Commander.

* Use a Remote Commander that is compatible with a Multi/Micro USB

Terminal.

Notes

• When using a tripod, turn off the SteadyShot function (page 84).

• The longer the exposure time, the more conspicuous the noise on the image.

• After shooting, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR) will be performed for the same

amount of time that the shutter was open. You cannot do any further shooting during

the reduction.

• When the Smile Shutter or Auto HDR function is activated, or when [Picture Effect]

is set to [HDR Painting] or [Rich-tone Mono.], you cannot set the shutter speed to

[BULB].

• If the Smile Shutter, Auto HDR function, or the [HDR Painting] or [Rich-tone

Mono.] setting of [Picture Effect] is used with the shutter speed set to [BULB], the

shutter speed is temporarily set to 30 seconds.

• We recommend that you start BULB shooting while the temperature of the camera is

moderate to prevent the quality of the image from deteriorating.

100

Movie recording setup

Movie recording can be started from any exposure mode.

The shutter speed and aperture value are adjusted automatically.

Press the MOVIE button to start recording (page 32).

• Start recording after you adjust the focus.

• The following settings that were set during still image shooting can also

be used in movie recording.

–ISO

– White Balance

– Creative Style

– Exposure Comp.

–AF area

–Metering Mode

– Face Detection

– Lock-on AF

– D-Range Opt.

– Lens Comp.: Shading

– Lens Comp.: Chro. Aber.

– Lens Comp.: Distortion

– Picture Effect

• [ISO], [Exposure Comp.], [Lock-on AF], or [AF area] can be adjusted

during movie recording.

• If you assign [AF lock] to the AEL button or ISO button, you can lock the

focus by pressing these buttons in autofocus mode.

Notes

• In movie recording mode, the recordable area (angle of view) is narrower than that

of still image shooting. To record with the same angle of view as a 16:9 still image,

set [SteadyShot] to [Off] (page 83).

• When the [For viewfinder] screen is displayed on the LCD screen, the LCD screen is

switched to the [Display All Info.] screen at the moment movie recording starts.

Recording movies easily

Shooting techniques

101

Movie recording setup

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• Do not shoot a strong light source, such as the sun. The internal mechanism of the

camera may be damaged.

• When you import AVCHD movies to a computer, use “PlayMemories Home”

(pages 64, 178).

• When you continue to shoot for an extended period of time, the temperature of the

camera rises and the image quality may deteriorate.

• When the icon appears, the temperature of the camera is too high. Turn the

camera off and wait until the temperature of the camera drops. If you continue to

shoot, the camera turns off automatically.

• Since the shutter speed and aperture are automatically adjusted, the shutter speed

will be higher and the movement of the subject may not be smooth under bright

conditions. Selecting manual focus and adjusting the shutter speed or aperture may

make the movement smoother (page 102).

• A value for ISO sensitivity between ISO 100 and ISO 3200 can be selected when

you record movies. If you start movie recording with a value of ISO 3200 or larger

selected, the ISO sensitivity is switched to ISO 3200. When you finish recording

your movie, the ISO sensitivity setting returns to the previous value.

• When [ISO] is set to [Multi Frame Noise Reduct.], [AUTO] is temporarily selected.

• You cannot select [Soft Focus], [HDR Painting], [Rich-tone Mono.], or [Miniature]

in [Picture Effect]. When movie recording starts, [Picture Effect] is temporarily set

to [Off].

• [Clear Image Zoom] cannot be used during movie recording.

You can use the digital zoom feature during movie recording. The quality,

however, will deteriorate because image processing is performed.

Digital Zoom

1 Press the ZOOM button.

• Digital zoom is available during movie

recording even when [Digital Zoom] is

set to [Off] in the Still shooting

menu.

ZOOM button

2 Magnify the image up to the desired zoom factor using b/B on

the control button.

• A zoom factor of up to about 4 times is available.

102

Movie recording setup

When you record fast moving subjects, select [High], and when several

subjects are moving or crossing back and forth, select [Low].

MENU button t 1 t [AF Track. Duration] t Select the

desired setting

You can record movies with the shutter speed and aperture adjusted,

controlling the background defocus or fluidity as you like.

Changing the tracking sensitivity of autofocus during

movie recording

Recording movies with the shutter speed and aperture

adjusted

1 Set the focus mode switch to MF (page 114).

2 Set the mode dial to (Movie).

3 Select the desired mode using v/V on the control button, then

press the center of the control button.

• To change the mode, press the Fn button, then select another mode.

4 Adjust the shutter speed and aperture value using the control

dial.

5 Adjust the focus, then press the MOVIE button to start

recording.

(Program Auto)

(91)

Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically

(both the shutter speed and the aperture value). The other

settings can be adjusted manually, and your setting values

can be saved.

(Aperture

Priority) (92)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value

manually using the control dial.

103

Movie recording setup

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

MENU button t 1 t [File Format] t Select the desired

format

(Shutter

Priority) (94)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed

manually using the control dial.

(Manual

Exposure) (96)

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure manually

(both the shutter speed and the aperture value) using the

control dial.

File Format

AVCHD Records 60i/50i movies or 24p/25p movies in AVCHD

format. This file format is suitable for viewing the movie on a

high-definition TV.

You can create a Blu-ray disc, an AVCHD recording disc, or

a DVD-Video disc using the software “PlayMemories

Home.”

• 60i/50i movies are recorded at either 60 fields/second or 50

fields/second, respectively. Both 60i and 50i movies utilize

the interlace scanning system, Dolby Digital audio, and the

AVCHD format.

• 24p/25p movies are recorded at either 24 frames/second or

25 frames/second, respectively. Both 24p and 25p movies

utilize the progressive scanning system, Dolby Digital

audio, and the AVCHD format.

MP4 Records mp4 (AVC) movies. This format is suitable for

WEB uploads, e-mail attachments, etc.

• Movies are recorded in MPEG-4 format at about 30 frames/

second, utilizing the progressive scanning system, AAC

audio, and the mp4 format.

• You cannot create a disc from the movies recorded in this

format using the software “PlayMemories Home.”

104

Movie recording setup

The higher the average bit-rate, the higher the image quality.

MENU button t 1 t [Record Setting] t Select the desired

setting

[File Format]: [AVCHD]

[File Format]: [MP4]

* 1080 60i-compatible device

**1080 50i-compatible device

Notes

• Movies recorded with the [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p

24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are converted by “PlayMemories Home” in

order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time.

Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep

the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray disc.

• To watch 24p/25p movies on a TV, you need a TV that is compatible with 24p/25p.

If you use a non-compatible TV, the movies are converted to 60i/50i and output to

the TV.

Record Setting

Record Setting Bit-rate Recording

60i 24M(FX)*

50i 24M(FX)**

Maximum

24 Mbps

Records high image quality movies at 1920 × 1080

(60i/50i).

60i 17M(FH)*

50i 17M(FH)**

Average

17 Mbps

Records standard image quality movies at 1920 ×

1080 (60i/50i).

24p 24M(FX)*

25p 24M(FX)**

Maximum

24 Mbps

Records high image quality movies at 1920 × 1080

(24p/25p). This produces a cinema-like

atmosphere.

24p 17M(FH)*

25p 17M(FH)**

Average

17 Mbps

Records standard image quality movies at 1920 ×

1080 (24p/25p). This produces a cinema-like

atmosphere.

Record Setting

Average

bit-rate

Recording

1440×1080 12M 12 Mbps Records movies at 1440 × 1080.

VGA 3M 3 Mbps Records movies at VGA size.

105

Movie recording setup

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

When you record movies, the operating noise of the camera or lens may be

recorded. You can record movies without audio.

MENU button t 1 t [Audio Recording] t [Off]

When the focus mode is set to manual focus, the operating noise of the lens

during autofocus will not be recorded (page 114).

To reduce wind noise

You can reduce wind noise by cutting bass sound input from the built-in

microphone.

MENU button t 1 t [Wind Noise Reduct.] t [On]

Notes

• Setting [Wind Noise Reduct.] to [On] may cause some bass sound to be recorded at

too low a volume. Select [Off] when the wind is not blowing.

• When an external microphone (sold separately) is used, [Wind Noise Reduct.] does

not function.

Audio Recording

106

Adjusting the focus

There are 2 methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual focus.

Depending on the lens, the method for switching between the autofocus and

manual focus is different.

The type of lens

The switch to be

used

To switch to auto

focus

To switch to manual

focus

Lens equipped

with a focus mode

switch

Lens (Always set

the focus mode

switch on the

camera to AF.)

Set the focus mode

switch on the lens to

AF.

Set the focus mode

switch on the lens to

MF.

Lens not equipped

with a focus mode

switch

Camera Set the focus mode

switch on the camera

to AF.

Set the focus mode

switch on the camera

to MF.

Autofocus

1 Set the focus mode switch on the

camera to AF.

2 When the lens is equipped with

the focus mode switch, set it to

AF.

107

Adjusting the focus

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• While the camera is focusing automatically, do not touch the rotating focusing ring.

• To select the AF area used for focusing, set up [AF area] (page 110).

Focus indicator

Subjects that may require special focusing

When using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the following subjects. In

such cases, use the focus lock shooting feature (page 108) or manual focus

(page 114).

• A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue sky or a white wall.

• Two subjects at different distances overlapping in the AF area.

• A subject that is composed of repeating patterns, such as the facade of a

building.

• A subject that is very bright or glittering, such as the sun, the body of an

automobile, or the surface of water.

• Ambient light is not sufficient.

3 Press the shutter button halfway

down to check the focus and shoot

the image.

• When the focus is confirmed, the focus

indicator changes to z or (below).

• The AF area in which the focus has

been confirmed turns green.

Focus indicator

Shooting technique

Focus indicator Status

z lit Focus locked. Ready to shoot.

lit Focus is confirmed. Focal point moves following a moving

subject. Ready to shoot.

lit Focusing in progress. You cannot release the shutter.

z flashing Cannot focus. The shutter is locked.

AF area

108

Adjusting the focus

To measure the exact distance to the subject

Notes

• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the attached lens, the

focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure to place enough distance between the subject

and the camera.

The mark located on the top of the

camera shows the location of the image

sensor*. When you measure the exact

distance between the camera and the

subject, refer to the position of the

horizontal line.

* The image sensor is the part of the

camera that acts as the film.

Focus-lock

1 Place the subject within the AF

area and press the shutter button

halfway down.

The focus is locked.

• Set [Autofocus Mode] to [Single-shot

AF].

2 Keep pressing the shutter button

halfway down, and place the

subject back in the original

position to re-compose the shot.

3 Press the shutter button down fully to take the picture.

109

Adjusting the focus

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

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.

Notes

• [Automatic AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto],

[Superior Auto] or one of the following [Scene Selection] modes: [Portrait],

[Landscape], [Sunset], [Night Scene], [Night Portrait], or [Hand-held Twilight].

• [Single-shot AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama] or

[Macro] in [Scene Selection].

• [Continuous AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to [Sports Action] in

[Scene Selection] or when the Smile Shutter function is used.

Autofocus Mode

(Single-shot

AF)

The camera focuses and the focus is locked when you press

the shutter button halfway down.

(Automatic AF) [Autofocus Mode] switches between [Single-shot AF] and

[Continuous AF] based on the movement of the subject.

When you press and hold the shutter button halfway down, if

the subject is motionless, the focus is locked and if the

subject is in motion, the camera continues to focus.

(Continuous

AF)

The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is

pressed and held halfway down.

• The audio signals will not sound when the subject is in

focus.

• Focus-lock cannot be used.

Shooting techniques

110

Adjusting the focus

Fn button t (AF area) t Select the desired setting

Notes

• [AF area] is fixed to [Wide] and you cannot select other settings when the exposure

mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto] or [Scene Selection], or when the

[Lock-on AF] function is being used or the Smile Shutter is activated.

• The AF area may not be illuminated during continuous shooting or when the shutter

button is pressed all the way down without pause.

• When [Lock-on AF] is set to [On], the setup screen used for the [Zone] or [Local]

option is not displayed by pressing the AF button.

AF area

Select the desired AF area to suit the

shooting conditions or your preference.

The AF area where the focus has been

confirmed turns green and the other AF

areas disappear.

AF area

(Wide) The camera determines which of the 15 AF areas is used in

focusing.

(Zone) Choose the zone for which you want to activate the focus

from among left, right, or center zone using the control

button. The camera determines which of the AF areas in the

selected zone is used in focusing.

Press the AF button so that the setup screen appears, and then

select the desired zone.

(Spot) The camera uses the AF area located in the center area

exclusively.

(Local) Choose the area for which you want to activate the focus

from among 15 AF areas using the control button.

Press the AF button to display the setup screen and select the

desired area.

111

Adjusting the focus

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

You can set the AF illuminator to focus on a subject under dark lighting.

MENU button t 2 t [AF Illuminator] t Select the desired

setting

• Since the camera uses the built-in flash as an AF illuminator, press the

button to open the flash.

• The AF illuminator does not operate when [Autofocus Mode] is set to

(Continuous AF) or the subject is moving in (Automatic AF).

(The or indicator lights.)

• The AF illuminator may not operate at focal lengths of 300 mm or longer.

• When an external flash (sold separately) with an AF illuminator is

attached, the AF illuminator of the external flash is used. Push the built-in

flash down.

• The AF illuminator does not operate when [Smile Shutter] is set to [On].

Keeps the focus on a moving subject while tracking it. When [Autofocus

Mode] is set to [Continuous AF], [On(Lock-on AF w/ shutter)] will

function.

AF Illuminator

Lock-on AF

1 Set [Autofocus Mode] to [Continuous AF] (page 109).

2 Fn button t (Lock-on AF) t [On(Lock-on AF w/ shutter)]

112

Adjusting the focus

• To capture persons, you can detect and track the person’s face using the

following settings: [Lock-on AF] is set to [On(Lock-on AF w/ shutter)],

[AF area] is set to [Wide], and [Smile/Face Detect.] is set to [Face

Detection On]

• When the subject is small on the Live View screen, you can track the

subject certainly by setting the autofocus area in advance using the

following settings: [Lock-on AF] is set to [On(Lock-on AF w/ shutter)],

[AF area] is set to [Local] or [Zone].

3 Press the shutter button halfway

down so that the camera

automatically locks onto a target

and tracks the subject.

The camera continues to focus while the

shutter button is pressed and held

halfway down. When the subject is in

focus, the target frame turns green.

Target frame

4 Press the shutter button to shoot the subject.

When [AF area] is set to [Wide], the camera starts tracking the subject around

the center area.

The camera focuses on the subject using all areas during tracking.

• The camera can start tracking the subject from the selected area when [AF

area] is set to [Local], [Spot], or [Zone].

Shooting techniques

113

Adjusting the focus

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

To change the mode

Fn button t (Lock-on AF) t [On] or [Off].

Notes

• [Lock-on AF] may be difficult in the following situations:

– The subject is moving too quickly.

– The subject is too small or too large.

– The contrast between the subject and the background is poor.

– The subject is in dark lighting conditions.

– The ambient light changes.

• [Lock-on AF] cannot be used when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama],

[Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], or [Hand-held Twilight] in [Scene Selection], or

when manual focus is selected.

• The camera stops tracking a subject when the subject moves off the screen.

(On) Press the center of the control button on the recording

information display to display a target frame. Align the target

frame with the subject to be tracked, and press the center of

the control button. The camera starts tracking the subject.

When the subject is in focus, the target frame turns green. To

cancel the tracking feature, press the center of the control

button again.

(Off) Deactivates the [Lock-on AF] function.

114

Adjusting the focus

When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofocus mode, you can

adjust the focus manually.

Notes

• When the Wide AF area is used, the center area is used for focusing; when the Zone

AF area is used, a typical area of the selected zone is used; and when the Local AF

area is used, an area that is selected using the control button is used.

• When using a teleconverter (sold separately), etc., rotation 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 mode (page 29).

• Make sure to set the focus mode switch on the lens to MF for manual focus. Rotating

the focusing ring forcibly without switching to MF may damage it.

Manual focus

1 Set the focus mode switch on the

lens to MF.

2 If the lens is not equipped with a

focus mode switch, set the focus

mode switch on the camera to

MF.

3 Rotate the focusing ring of the

lens to achieve sharp focus.

Focusing

ring

115

Adjusting the focus

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Direct manual focus

When a lens that is equipped with a direct manual focus function is

mounted and [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Single-shot AF] or [Automatic

AF], you can make fine adjustments using the focusing ring after the focus

is locked (DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM, etc. ). You can quickly focus on a

subject rather than using the manual focus from the beginning. This is

convenient in cases such as macro shooting.

You can enhance the outline of in-focus ranges with a specific color in

manual focus. This function allows you to confirm the focus easily.

MENU button t 2 t [Peaking Level] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• Since the camera judges that sharp areas are in focus, the peaking level differs,

depending on the subject, shooting situation, or the lens used.

• The outline of in-focus ranges is not enhanced when the camera is connected using

an HDMI cable.

To set the color of the peaking function

You can set the color used for the peaking function in manual focus.

MENU button t 2 t [Peaking Color] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• [Peaking Color] cannot be set when [Peaking Level] is set to [Off].

Peaking

116

Adjusting the focus

You can check the focus by enlarging the image before shooting.

Focus Magnifier

1 MENU button t 3 t [Preview Button] t [Focus

Magnifier]

2 Press the Focus Magnifier button.

Focus Magnifier button

3 Press the Focus Magnifier button

again to enlarge the image and

select the portion you want to

enlarge using v/V/b/B on the

control button.

• Each time you press the Focus

Magnifier button, the magnifier scaling

changes as follows: Full display t

Approx. ×6.8 t Approx. ×13.6

4 Confirm and adjust the focus.

• Rotate the focusing ring to adjust the focus in manual focus mode.

• If you press the AF button, the enlarged portion returns to the center.

• The [Focus Magnifier] function is canceled if you press the shutter button

halfway down.

5 Press the shutter button fully down to shoot the image.

• You can record images while an image is enlarged, but the camera records a

full-display image.

• The [Focus Magnifier] function will be released after shooting.

117

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Detecting faces

The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus and exposure, performs image

processing, and adjusts flash settings.

Fn button t (Smile/Face Detect.) t Select the desired

setting

The Face Detection frame

• If a face is not positioned inside the AF area available when you press the

shutter button halfway down, the AF area that is used for focusing turns

green.

• When the camera detects multiple faces, the camera automatically selects

a priority face and a single Face Detection frame turns white. A magenta

frame appears on a face that is registered with [Face Registration].

• Compose to overlay the Face Detection frame and the AF area.

Face Detection

Face Detection Off Turns off Face Detection.

Face Detection On

(Regist. Faces)

Enables Face Detection and prioritizes recognized faces that

have been registered in [Face Registration] (page 118).

Face Detection On Enables Face Detection, but does not prioritize recognized

faces.

Smile Shutter Detects and shoots a smile automatically.

When the camera detects faces, gray Face

Detection frames appear. When the

camera judges that autofocus is possible,

the Face Detection frame turns white.

When you press the shutter button

halfway down, the Face Detection frame

turns green.

Face Detection frames (white)

Shooting technique

Face Detection

frames (gray)

118

Detecting faces

Notes

• When the exposure mode is [Sweep Panorama] or [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE],

[Face Detection] cannot be used.

• Up to 8 faces can be detected.

• The camera may not detect any faces, or may detect some other object, depending on

the shooting conditions.

The camera detects faces for which information has been registered in

advance.

To change the priority of faces previously registered

When you have registered multiple faces, the priority order is set. You can

change the priority order.

MENU button t 4 t [Face Registration] t [Order

Exchanging] t Select a face for which you want to change the

priority and the priority level

Face Registration

1 MENU button t 4 t [Face Registration] t [New

Registration]

2 Align the guide frame with the face to be registered, and press

the shutter button.

3 Select [Enter] using v/V on the control button, then press the

center of the control button.

• Up to 8 faces can be registered.

• Shoot the face from the front in a brightly lit place. The face may not be

registered correctly if it is obscured by a hat, a mask, sunglasses, etc.

119

Detecting faces

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

To delete a registered face

You can delete a registered face.

MENU button t 4 t [Face Registration] t [Delete] t

Select the face you want to delete

• When you select [Delete All], you can delete all registered faces at one

time.

Notes

• Even if you select [Delete], the data on registered faces remains stored in the camera.

If you want to delete this data from the camera, select [Delete All].

• Registered faces are not deleted even if you use [Initialize].

When shooting faces, close-ups, or subjects tracked by [Lock-on AF], the

camera analyzes the scene and automatically trims the image into a suitable

composition. Both the original and the trimmed images are saved.

To change the setting of [Auto Object Framing]

The default setting is [Auto].

Fn button t (Auto Object Framing) t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• The [Auto Object Framing] function cannot be used when the exposure mode is set

to [Sweep Panorama], [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], [Movie], or [Hand-held

Twilight] or [Sports Action] in [Scene Selection].

• The trimmed image may not be the best possible composition, depending on the

shooting conditions.

Auto Object Framing

• turns to green when the trimming

feature is available in Live View mode.

• The frame used for trimming is

indicated on the auto review screen

after shooting.

Auto review screen

Trimmed range

120

Detecting faces

• When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], this function cannot be used.

• This feature cannot be used with the following functions: Continuous shooting,

continuous bracket, [Multi Frame Noise Reduct.], [Auto HDR], the zoom feature of

the camera, manual focus, or [Soft Focus], [HDR Painting], [Rich-tone Mono.], or

[Miniature] in [Picture Effect].

When the camera detects a smile, the shutter is released automatically.

Smile Shutter

1 Fn button t (Smile/Face Detect.) t [Smile Shutter On:

Normal Smile] t Select the desired Smile Detection

Sensitivity mode using b/B on the control button

You can set the sensitivity of the Smile Shutter function for detecting smiles

to one of the following 3 options: (On: Slight Smile), (On: Normal

Smile), and (On: Big Smile).

• When the Smile Shutter is activated, the Smile Detection Sensitivity

indicator appears on the screen.

2 Wait detecting a smile.

The camera detects a smile and the focus

is confirmed. When the smile level

exceeds the b point on the indicator, the

camera records images automatically.

• When the camera detects target faces,

orange Face Detection frames appear

around the faces. The Face Detection

frames turn green when these subjects

come into focus.

• When [Auto Object Framing] is set to

[Auto], the image will be automatically

trimmed to provide a suitable

composition.

Smile Detection Sensitivity indicator

3 To stop shooting, Fn button t (Smile/Face Detect.) t

Select an item other than [Smile Shutter].

Face Detection frame

121

Detecting faces

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• To focus on the smile, overlay the Face Detection frame and AF area.

• Do not cover the eyes with bangs, etc. 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.

• Hold a clear smile with an open mouth. The smile is easier to detect when

the teeth are showing.

• If you press the shutter button while the Smile Shutter function is

activated, the camera shoots the image, and then returns to Smile Shutter.

Notes

• The [Smile Shutter] function cannot be used when the exposure mode is set to

[Sweep Panorama], [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], [Movie], or [Hand-held

Twilight] in [Scene Selection], or when manual focus is selected.

• [Drive Mode] is automatically set to [Single Shooting].

• The AF illuminator does not work with the Smile Shutter function.

• If the camera does not detect a smile, change the settings for Smile Detection

Sensitivity.

• Smiles may not be detected correctly, depending on the shooting conditions.

• If the camera tracks a face using [Lock-on AF] with Smile Shutter turned on, the

face becomes the target of the smile detection feature (page 111).

Shooting techniques

122

Adjusting the brightness of the image

When shooting into the sun or by a window when the exposure may not be

appropriate for the subject, use the light meter where the subject is bright

enough and lock the exposure before shooting. To reduce the brightness of

the subject, point the camera toward a spot that is brighter than the subject

and use the light meter to lock the exposure of the entire image. To make

the subject brighter, point the camera toward a spot that is darker than the

subject and use the light meter to lock the exposure of the entire image.

This section describes how to shoot a brighter image of the subject using

the (Spot).

AE Lock

1 Fn button t (Metering Mode) t (Spot)

2 Adjust the focus where you want to lock the exposure.

3 Press the AEL button to lock the

exposure.

The (AE lock) icon appears.

• The exposure value based on the locked

exposure in the spot metering circle is

also indicated on the EV scale.

AEL button

4 While pressing the AEL button, focus on the subject and shoot.

• If you continue to shoot with the same exposure value, press and hold the

AEL button after shooting. The setting is canceled when the button is

released.

123

Adjusting the brightness of the image

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Sets whether to fix the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway

down.

MENU button t 3 t [AEL w/ shutter] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• AEL button operation is given priority over the [AEL w/ shutter] settings.

Fn button t (Metering Mode) t Select the desired mode

• Use [Multi segment] metering for general shooting.

• When there is a high contrast subject in the AF area, measure the light of

the subject you want to shoot with the optimal exposure using the spot

metering function and take advantage of AE lock shooting (page 122).

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], or [Scene

Selection], or when the zoom feature of the camera is used, [Metering Mode] is fixed

to [Multi segment] and you cannot select other modes.

AEL w/ shutter

Metering Mode

(Multi segment) This mode measures light in each area after dividing the total

area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure

of the entire screen.

(Center weighted) While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this mode

measures the average brightness of the entire screen.

(Spot) This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle

located in the center area.

Shooting techniques

124

Adjusting the brightness of the image

When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light

alone, without changing the exposure compensation. You can only change

the exposure of the main subject within the flash range.

Fn button t (Flash Comp.) t Select the desired setting

Toward +: Makes the flash level higher.

Toward –: Makes the flash level lower.

Notes

• [Flash Comp.] cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto],

[Superior Auto], [Sweep Panorama], or [Scene Selection].

• The higher flash effect may not be visible due to the limited amount of flash light, if

the subject is outside the maximum range of the flash. If the subject is very close, the

lower flash effect may not be visible.

Exposure compensation and flash compensation

Exposure compensation changes the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO

sensitivity (when [AUTO] is selected) to perform the compensation.

Flash compensation only changes the amount of flash light.

MENU button t 2 t [Flash control] t Select the desired

setting

ADI: Advanced Distance Integration

TTL: Through The Lens

• When [ADI flash] is selected, using a lens that is provided with a distance

encoder feature provides more accurate flash compensation by using

more accurate distance information.

Flash Comp.

Flash control

ADI flash Controls the lighting of the flash, factoring in the focus

distance information and light metering data from the pre-

flash. This method enables accurate flash compensation with

virtually no effect from reflection off the subject.

Pre-flash TTL Controls the amount of flash light depending only on the data

from pre-flash light metering. This method is susceptible to

reflection off the subject.

125

Adjusting the brightness of the image

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• When the distance between the subject and the external flash (sold separately)

cannot be determined (wireless flash shooting using an external flash (sold

separately), shooting with an off-camera flash using a cable, shooting with a macro

twin flash, etc.), the camera automatically selects [Pre-flash TTL].

• Select [Pre-flash TTL] in the following cases, as the camera cannot perform flash

compensation with [ADI flash].

– A wide panel is attached to the HVL-F36AM flash.

– A diffuser is used for flash shooting.

– A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used.

– A close-up lens is used.

• ADI flash is only available in combination with a lens that is provided with a

distance encoder. To determine if the lens is equipped with a distance encoder, refer

to the operating instructions supplied with the lens.

• [Flash control] cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama] or

[Night Scene]/[Hand-held Twilight] in [Scene Selection].

126

The flash

Press the Fn button, select the desired flash mode, press the

button, and shoot images (page 41).

• The lens hood may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood

when using the flash.

• When using the flash, shoot the subject at a distance of 1 m (3.3 feet) or

greater.

• When shooting indoors or shooting nightscapes, you can use slow sync to

shoot a brighter image of people and backgrounds.

• You can use rear sync to shoot a natural image of the trail of moving

subjects, such as a moving bicycle.

• When using the HVL-F60M/HVL-F58AM/HVL-F43AM Flash (sold

separately), you can shoot with the High-speed sync feature at any shutter

speed. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the

flash.

Notes

• Do not hold the camera by the flash emitter.

• Shooting conditions required to prevent shadows from appearing on an image vary,

depending on the lens.

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], or [Scene

Selection], the [Slow Sync.], [Rear Sync.], and [Wireless] items cannot be selected.

• When the exposure mode is set to P, A, S, M, or [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], the

[Flash Off] or [Autoflash] items cannot be selected. If you do not want to use the

flash, push the flash down.

• If you use the flash with a stereo microphone or similar device attached to the Multi

interface shoe, the flash may not pop up to the correct position and recorded images

may have shadows in their corners. Remove any device from the Multi interface

shoe.

Shooting techniques

127

The flash

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

With a flash that has a wireless shooting function (sold separately), you can

shoot with the flash without a cord, even when the flash is not attached to

the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you can shoot an image

with a three-dimensional feel by highlighting the contrast of light and

shadow on the subject.

For the actual steps of shooting, refer to the operating instructions of the

flash.

Notes

• Turn off the wireless flash mode after wireless flash shooting. If the built-in flash is

used while the wireless flash mode is still active, inaccurate flash exposures will

result.

• Change the external flash channel when another photographer is using a wireless

flash nearby and his/her flash light causes your external flash to fire. To change the

external flash channel, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the flash.

Setup of the AEL button

When using a wireless flash, we recommend that you set [Func. of AEL

button] to [AEL hold] in the Custom menu (page 161).

Wireless flash

1 Attach the wireless flash to the Multi interface shoe and turn

both the camera and the flash on.

2 Fn button t (Flash Mode) t (Wireless)

3 Remove the wireless flash from the Multi interface shoe and

pop up the built-in flash.

• To perform a test fire of the flash, press the AEL button.

128

The flash

Wireless flash with lighting ratio control

You can use the wireless lighting ratio control in combination with multiple

flashes. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with flash

(HVL-F60M (sold separately), HVL-F58AM (sold separately), or HVL-

F43AM (sold separately)).

129

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Setting ISO

Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended

exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep

Panorama], or [Scene Selection], [ISO] is fixed to [AUTO] and you cannot select

other ISO numbers.

• When the exposure mode is set to P/A/S/M and [ISO] is set to [AUTO], [ISO] is

automatically set between ISO 100 and ISO 3200.

The camera automatically shoots multiple images continuously, combines

the images, reduces the noise, and records 1 image.

With multi frame noise reduction, you can select larger ISO numbers than

the maximum ISO sensitivity.

The image recorded is 1 combined image.

Notes

• When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], this function cannot be used.

• The flash, [D-Range Opt.], and [Auto HDR] cannot be used.

1 Press the ISO button to display

the ISO screen.

ISO button

2 Select the desired setting using v/V on the control button.

• The larger the number, the higher the noise level.

• If you want to select [Multi Frame Noise Reduct.], display the setup screen

using B, and select the desired value using v/V.

Multi Frame Noise Reduct.

130

Compensating for brightness and

contrast automatically (D-Range)

Fn button t (DRO/Auto HDR) t Select the desired setting

* Lv_ displayed with is the step currently selected.

(Off) Does not use the DRO/Auto HDR functions.

(D-Range Opt.) By dividing the image into small areas, the camera analyzes

the contrast of light and shadow between the subject and the

background, producing an image with the optimal brightness

and gradation.

(Auto HDR) Shoots 3 images with different exposures, and then overlays

the correctly exposed image, the bright areas of the under-

exposed image and the dark areas of the over-exposed image

to create an image with rich gradation.

2 images are recorded: an image with the correct exposure

and an overlaid image.

D-Range Opt.

1 Fn button t (DRO/Auto HDR) t (D-Range Opt.)

2 Select an optimal level using b/B on the control button.

(D-Range

Optimizer: Auto)

Corrects the brightness automatically.

(Level)* Optimizes the gradations of the recorded image in each area

of the image. Select the optimal level between Lv1 (weak)

and Lv5 (strong).

131

Compensating for brightness and contrast automatically (D-Range)

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The setting is fixed to [Off] when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama], or

when [Multi Frame Noise Reduct.] or [Picture Effect] is used.

• The setting is fixed to [Off] when [Sunset], [Night Scene], [Night Portrait], or

[Hand-held Twilight] is selected in [Scene Selection]. The setting is fixed to [Auto]

when other modes are selected in [Scene Selection].

• When shooting with the D-Range Optimizer, the image may be noisy. Select the

proper level by checking the recorded image, especially when you enhance the

effect.

* _EV displayed with is the step currently selected.

• Since the shutter is released 3 times for a single shot, be cautious of the

following:

– Use this function when the subject is motionless or does not blink.

– Do not recompose.

Auto HDR

1 Fn button t (DRO/Auto HDR) t (Auto HDR)

2 Select an optimal level using b/B on the control button.

(Auto HDR:

Exposure Diff. Auto)

Corrects the exposure difference automatically.

(Exposure

Difference Level)*

Sets the exposure difference based on the contrast of the

subject. Select the optimal level between 1.0 EV (weak) and

6.0 EV (strong).

For example: When 2.0 EV is selected, 3 images are overlaid:

an image with –1.0 EV, an image with the correct exposure,

and an image with +1.0 EV.

Shooting technique

132

Compensating for brightness and contrast automatically (D-Range)

Notes

• You cannot use this function on RAW images.

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep

Panorama], [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE] or [Scene Selection], or when [Multi

Frame Noise Reduct.] is selected, you cannot select [Auto HDR].

• You cannot start the next shot until the capture process is completed after you shoot.

• You may not obtain the desired effect depending on the luminance difference of a

subject and the shooting conditions.

• When the flash is used, this function has little effect.

• When the contrast of the scene is low or when camera shake or subject blur occurs,

you may not obtain good HDR images. If the camera has detected a problem,

is displayed on the recorded image to inform you of this situation. Shoot again as

necessary, paying attention to the contrast or blur.

133

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Setting image processing

Select the desired effect filter to achieve more impressive and artistic

images.

Picture Effect

Set the mode dial to (Picture

Effect), and select the desired

setting.

• For a mode that has a fine adjustment

option, select the desired setting using

b/B.

(Toy Camera) Creates the look of a Toy Camera photo with shaded corners

and pronounced colors. You can set the color tone using b/

(Pop Color) Creates a vivid look by emphasizing color tones.

(Posterization) Creates a high contrast, abstract look by heavily emphasizing

primary colors, or using black and white. You can select

primary colors or black and white using b/B.

(Retro Photo) Creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and

faded contrast.

(Soft High-key) Creates an image with the indicated atmosphere: bright,

transparent, ethereal, tender, soft.

(Partial Color) Creates an image that retains 1 specific color, but converts

others to black and white. You can select a color using b/B.

(High Contrast

Mono.)

Creates a high-contrast image in black and white.

(Soft Focus) Creates an image with a soft lighting effect. You can set the

intensity of the effect using b/B.

(HDR Painting) Creates the look of a painting, enhancing the colors and

details. The camera releases the shutter 3 times. You can set

the effect intensity using b/B.

(Rich-tone

Mono.)

Creates an image in black and white with rich gradation and

reproduction of details. The camera releases the shutter 3

times.

134

Setting image processing

• (Off) can be selected if you use (Picture Effect) on the control

button.

Notes

• When the zoom feature of the camera is used, the [Toy Camera] and [Miniature]

effects are not available.

• When [Partial Color] is selected, images may not retain the selected color,

depending on the subject or shooting conditions.

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep

Panorama] or [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], or when [Quality] is set to [RAW] or

[RAW & JPEG], [Picture Effect] cannot be used.

• When [HDR Painting], [Miniature], [Rich-tone Mono.] or [Soft Focus] is selected,

you cannot confirm the effect before shooting. You also cannot set the drive mode.

• When the contrast of the scene is low or when significant camera shake or subject

blur has occurred with [HDR Painting] or [Rich-tone Mono.] selected, you may not

obtain good HDR images. If the camera detects such a situation, is displayed on

the recorded image. Shoot again as necessary, recomposing or paying attention to

the blur.

You can select the desired style to be used to perform image processing,

and adjust the contrast, saturation, and sharpness for each [Creative Style].

You can also adjust the exposure (shutter speed and aperture), unlike

[Scene Selection], in which the camera adjusts the exposure.

(Miniature) Creates an image that enhances the subject vividly, with the

background defocused considerably. This effect can often be

found in pictures of miniature models. You can select the

area to be in focus using b/B. The focus on other areas is

greatly reduced.

Creative Style

1 Fn button t (Creative Style) t Select the desired setting

2 If you want to adjust (Contrast), (Saturation), or

(Sharpness), select the desired item using b/B on the control

button, then adjust the value using v/V.

135

Setting image processing

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

(Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each

Creative Style item.

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto] or [Scene

Selection], or [Picture Effect] mode is selected, [Creative Style] is fixed to

[Standard] and you cannot select other settings.

• When [Black & White] is selected, you cannot adjust the saturation.

(Standard) For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful

colors.

(Vivid) The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting

striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as

flowers, spring greenery, a blue sky, or ocean views.

(Portrait) For shooting the skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited to

shooting portraits.

(Landscape) The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for

shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also

stand out more.

(Sunset) For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.

(Black & White) For shooting images in black and white.

(Contrast) The higher the value selected, the more the difference

between light and shadow is accentuated, thus making an

impact on an image.

(Saturation) The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When

a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained

and subdued.

(Sharpness) Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the

more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value

selected, the more the contours are softened.

136

Adjusting color tones (White Balance)

The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of

the light source. The table below shows how the color tone changes based

on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under

the sunlight.

Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out as you

expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for

photographic expression.

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], or [Scene

Selection], [White Balance] is fixed to [Auto WB] and you cannot select other

modes.

• If the only light source available is a mercury lamp or a sodium lamp, the camera

will not be able to acquire an accurate white balance due to the characteristics of the

light source. Use the flash in such cases.

Weather/

lighting

Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent

Characteristics

of light

White Bluish Green-tinged Reddish

WB on the control button t Select

the desired setting

• When you select a setting other than

[C.Temp./Filter], press B so that the

fine adjustment screen appears and you

can adjust the color tone using v/V/b/

B as necessary.

137

Adjusting color tones (White Balance)

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

• Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired white

balance using the selected option (page 146).

• When you select [C.Temp./Filter], you can adjust the value to the desired

one (page 138).

• When you select [Custom], you can register your setting (page 138).

AWB (Auto WB) The camera automatically detects a light source and adjusts

the color tones.

(Daylight) If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the color

tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance).

(Shade)

(Cloudy)

(Incandescent)

(Fluor.: Warm

White)

(Fluor.: Cool

White)

(Fluor.: Day

White)

(Fluor.:

Daylight)

(Flash)

Shooting techniques

Fine adjustment screen for color

You can perform fine adjustments by

combining the color temperature with the

color filter.

138

Adjusting color tones (White Balance)

Notes

• Since color meters are designed for film cameras, the values differ under fluorescent/

sodium lamp/mercury lamps. We recommend that you use the custom white balance

or perform a test shooting.

In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source,

use of the custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately

reproduce the whiteness.

Color Temp. Fine-tune color in the B (blue) direction using b and the A

(amber) direction using B.

Color Filter Fine-tune color in the G (green) direction using v and the M

(magenta) direction using V.

Color Temp./Color Filter

1 WB on the control button t

(C.Temp./Filter) t B

2 Set the color temperature using v/V on the control button.

3 Press B to display the fine adjustment screen and compensate

the color to your preference using v/V/b/B.

Custom white balance

1 WB on the control button t [

SET] t press the center of the

control button

139

Adjusting color tones (White Balance)

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The message “Custom WB Error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected

range, when the flash is used on a subject in close proximity or a subject with a

bright color is in the frame. If you register this value, the indicator turns yellow

on the recording information display. You can shoot at this point, but it is

recommended that you set the white balance again to get a more accurate white

balance value.

To call the custom white balance setting

WB on the control button t (Custom)

• Press B to display the fine adjustment screen and compensate the color to

your preference.

Notes

• If the flash is used when the shutter button is pressed, a custom white balance is

registered with the flash light taken into account. Take pictures with the flash in later

shot.

2 Hold the camera so that the white area fully covers the AF area

located in the center, and then press the shutter button down.

The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (Color Temperature and Color

Filter) are displayed.

3 Press the center of the control button.

The screen returns to the recording information display with the memorized

custom white balance setting retained.

• The custom white balance setting registered in this operation is effective

until a new setting is registered.

140

Zooming

You can magnify images with a higher scale than the optical zoom of the

lens.

The zoom features available with this camera

The icon displayed on the screen changes as follows based on the zoom

scale.

A : The zoom feature of the camera is not used (×1.0 is indicated).

B Smart Zoom: You can magnify images by trimming them slightly.

(Available only when [Image Size] is set to M or S.)

C [Clear Image Zoom]: You can magnify images using a high-quality

image process.

D [Digital Zoom]: You can magnify images using an image process.

1 Magnify the image with the zoom ring when using a zoom lens

(page 30).

2 Press the ZOOM button.

ZOOM button

3 Magnify the image to your desired zoom scale using b/B on

the control button.

• You can magnify the image at wider intervals using v/V.

Zoom scale

(low)

Zoom scale

(high)

141

Zooming

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The zoom feature of the camera is unavailable

– When the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama].

– When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG].

• The [Clear Image Zoom] is unavailable

– When the exposure mode is set to [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE].

– When [Drive Mode] is set to [Cont. Shooting] or [Bracket: Cont.].

• You cannot use the Smart Zoom or [Clear Image Zoom] function with movies.

• When the electronic zoom is available, [Metering Mode] is set to [Multi segment].

To change the [Clear Image Zoom] setting

The default setting is [On].

MENU button t 2 t [Clear Image Zoom] t Select the

desired setting

Setting

Image

size

Zoom scale with optical zoom

Zooms images by

trimming them in the

available range (without

deterioration of image

quality).

[Clear Image Zoom]: [Off]

[Digital Zoom]: [Off]

L–

M About 1.4×

S About 2×

Gives priority to image

quality when zooming

images.

[Clear Image Zoom]: [On]

[Digital Zoom]: [Off]

L About 2×

M About 2.8×

S About 4×

Gives priority to higher

magnification when

zooming images.

[Clear Image Zoom]: [On]

[Digital Zoom]: [On]

L About 4×

M About 5.6×

S About 8×

142

Zooming

To change the [Digital Zoom] setting

The default setting is [Off]. If you want to use higher magnification

regardless of the deterioration of the image, set it to [On].

MENU button t 2 t [Digital Zoom] t Select the desired

setting

143

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Selecting the drive mode

This mode is for normal shooting.

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Sports Action] in [Scene Selection], you cannot

use [Single Shooting].

The camera records images continuously.

• To shoot continuously faster, set the exposure mode to [Tele-zoom Cont.

Priority AE] (pages 40, 90).

• When [AEL w/ shutter] is set to [Off], the camera continues to adjust the

exposure even after the first shot in [Cont. Shooting] or [Tele-zoom Cont.

Priority AE] (page 123).

Single Shooting

on the control button t

(Single Shooting)

Cont. Shooting

1 on the control button t

(Cont. Shooting) t Select

the desired speed

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

• When you press and hold the shutter button, recording continues.

Shooting technique

144

Selecting the drive mode

Notes

• When is selected, the recorded image is displayed between the shots.

• You cannot shoot continuously when using [Scene Selection] modes other than

[Sports Action].

The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer wants to

appear in the photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient for reducing

camera shake.

To cancel the self-timer

Press on the control button.

Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different

degrees of exposure. Specify the value of deviation (steps) from the base

exposure, and the camera shoots 3 images while automatically shifting the

exposure.

Self-timer

1 on the control button t

(Self-timer) t Select the

desired setting

• The number after indicates the

currently selected setting.

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

• When the self-timer is activated, audio signals and the self-timer lamp

indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio

signal sounds quickly right before the shooting.

Bracket: Cont./Single Bracket

Base exposure

– direction

+ direction

145

Selecting the drive mode

Shooting (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• When the mode dial is set to M and [ISO] is set to other than [AUTO], the exposure

is shifted by adjusting the shutter speed. When [ISO] is set to [AUTO], the camera

changes the ISO sensitivity and adjusts the exposure value.

• When you adjust the exposure, the exposure is shifted based on the compensated

value.

• Bracket cannot be used when the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto],

[Superior Auto], [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE], [Sweep Panorama], or [Scene

Selection].

• When using the flash, the camera shifts the amount of flash light using flash bracket

shooting. Press the shutter button shot by shot even when [Bracket: Cont.] is

selected.

1 on the control button t

(Bracket: Cont.) or

(Single Bracket) t Select

the desired bracket step

• _EV displayed with is the

currently selected value.

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

The base exposure is set at the first shot in the bracket.

• Press and hold the shutter button until recording stops when [Bracket:

Cont.] is selected.

• Press the shutter button shot by shot when [Single Bracket] is selected.

146

Selecting the drive mode

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, an incandescent

light, or a fluorescent light.

• In bracket shooting, the same number of indices as the number of

recordable images is displayed on the EV scale.

• When bracket shooting starts, the indices that indicate already recorded

images start to disappear one by one.

Based on the selected white balance and the color temperature/color filter,

3 images are recorded with the white balance shifted.

*MK

–1

: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters. (The

same value as the conventional unit “Mired.”)

Ambient light* bracket

(e.g., 0.3 steps, 3 shots,

Exposure compensation 0)

Flash bracket

(e.g., 0.7 steps, 3 shots,

Flash compensation –1.0)

Viewfinder

LCD screen (When

[DISP Button(Monitor)]

is set to [For

viewfinder])

Shown in the top row. Shown in the bottom row.

WB bracket

1 on the control button t

(WB bracket) t Select

the desired setting

• When [Lo] is selected, the camera

shoots with the white balance shifted

by 10 MK

–1

*, and when [Hi] is selected,

the camera shoots with the white

balance shifted by 20 MK

–1

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

147

Playback (Advanced Operations)

Playback

Playbac k (Advanced Oper ations)

Playback mode screen display

Each time you press DISP on the control button, the screen changes as

follows.

Switching the screen during playback

List of histogram display icons

Display Info.

Histogram

No Disp. Info.

Display Indication

Memory card (21, 205)

View mode (149)

100-0003 Folder - file number

(179)

Aspect ratio of still

images (157)

20M 10M

5.0M 17M

8.4M 4.2M

Image size of still images

(47)

Image quality of still

images (157)

- Protect (152)

DPOF DPOF set (184)

Remaining battery

warning (23)

Auto Object Framing

(119)

Remaining battery (23)

Display Indication

148

Playback mode screen display

* When the image has a high-key or

low-key portion, that portion flashes

on the histogram display (Luminance

limit warning).

Database file full (199)/

Database file error (199)

Overheating warning (10)

Display Indication

Histogram* (79)

A S M

Exposure mode (36)

1/125 Shutter speed (94)

F3.5 Aperture (92)

ISO200 ISO sensitivity (129)

–0.3 Exposure compensation

(43)

–0.3 Flash compensation (124)

Metering mode (123)

35mm Focal length

Creative Style (134)

Picture Effect (133)

AWB

5500K A1

White balance (Auto,

Preset, Color

temperature, Color filter,

Custom) (136)

D-Range Optimizer

(130)/Auto HDR/Auto

HDR image warning

(131)

Display Indication

2013-1-1

10:37AM

Date of recording

3/7 File number/Number of

images in the view mode

Display Indication

149

Playback (Advanced Operations)

Using the playback functions

To return to the normal playback screen

Press the button again.

Notes

• You cannot rotate movies or 3D-images.

• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PlayMemories Home” can display

the rotated images correctly. However, the images may not be rotated depending on

the software.

Selects the unit for images to be played back.

MENU button t 1 t [Still/Movie Select] t Select the

desired setting

Rotating an image

1 Display the image you want to

rotate, then press the button.

button

2 Press the center of the control button.

The image is rotated counter-clockwise. When you want to do another

rotation, repeat step 2.

• Once you rotate the image, the image is played back in the rotated position,

even after you turn off the power.

Still/Movie Select

Folder View(Still) Displays still images by folder.

Folder View(MP4) Displays movies (MP4) by folder.

AVCHD View Displays AVCHD movies.

150

Using the playback functions

MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show]t [Enter]

Plays back recorded images in order (Slide Show). The slide show

automatically stops after all the images have been played back.

• You can view the previous/next image using b/B on the control button.

• You cannot pause the slide show.

To end in the middle of the slide show

Press the center of the control button.

To change the interval between the images in a slide show

MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show] t [Interval] t Select

the desired number of seconds

To play back repeatedly

MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show] t [Repeat] t [On]

To play back 3D images

If you connect the camera to a 3D-compatible TV using an HDMI cable

(sold separately), you can play back 3D images.

Also refer to the operating instructions supplied with the TV.

MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show] t [Image Type] t

[Display 3D Only]

Notes

• This camera cannot record 3D images.

You can set the playback orientation of images recorded in portrait

orientation.

MENU button t 2 t [Playback Display] t Select the

desired setting

Slide Show

Playback Display

151

Using the playback functions

Playback (Advanced Operations)

Select a panoramic image, then press the center of the control

button.

• Press the center of the control button again to pause the playback. You

can scroll a panoramic image manually by pressing v/V/b/B during

pause.

Scrolling panoramic images

152

Protecting images (Protect)

You can protect images against accidental erasure.

To cancel protection of all the images or movies

You can cancel protection of all the images or movies in each view mode

displayed.

MENU button t 1 t [Protect] t [Cancel All Images],

[Cancel All Movies(MP4)] or [Cancel All AVCHD view files]

1 MENU button t 1 t [Protect] t [Multiple Img.]

2 Select the image you want to

protect using b/B on the control

button, then press the center of

the control button.

A mark is put in the check box.

• To cancel a selection, press the center

again.

3 To protect other images, repeat step 2.

• You can select all the images in the folder by selecting the bar on the left of

the image index screen.

4 Press the MENU button.

5 Select [OK] using v, then press the center of the control button.

153

Playback (Advanced Operations)

Deleting images (Delete)

You can delete selected images or all the images.

Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Be sure that you do

not want the image before deleting it.

Notes

• Protected images cannot be deleted.

To display the desired folder

Select the bar on the left of the screen using the control button, then select

the desired folder using v/V.

Delete (Multiple Img.)

1 MENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [Multiple Img.]

2 Select the image you want to

delete using the control button,

then press the center of the

control button.

A mark is put in the check box.

• To cancel a selection, press the center

again.

Total number

3 To delete other images, repeat step 2.

• You can select all the images in the folder by selecting the bar on the left of

the image index screen.

4 Press the MENU button.

5 Select [OK] using v, then press the center of the control button.

154

Deleting images (Delete)

You can delete all still images or movies in each view mode displayed.

Deleting all images or movies in each view mode

1 MENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [All in Folder] or [All

AVCHD view files]

2 Select [Delete] using v on the control button, then press the

center of the control button.

155

Playback (Advanced Operations)

TV playback

Connect the camera to a TV using an HDMI cable (sold separately)

and play back images (page 50).

Notes

• Use an HDMI cable that has the HDMI logo.

• Use an HDMI cable with a mini connector on one end (for the camera), and a

connector suitable for connection to your TV on the other end.

• When images cannot be displayed properly, set [HDMI Resolution] in the Setup

menu to [1080p] or [1080i], depending on your TV.

• Some devices may not work properly.

• Do not connect the camera and your TV using both output terminals. This may cause

a malfunction.

“PhotoTV HD”

This camera is compatible with the “PhotoTV HD” standard.

By connecting Sony’s PhotoTV HD-compatible devices using an HDMI

cable, a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking Full HD

quality.

“PhotoTV HD” allows for a highly-detailed, photo-like expression of

subtle textures and colors.

By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync using an

HDMI cable (sold separately), you can operate the camera using the TV

remote control.

Using “BRAVIA” Sync

1 Connect a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync to the camera

(page 50).

The input is automatically switched and the image shot with the camera

appears on the TV screen.

2 Press the SYNC MENU button on the TV remote control.

3 Operate using the buttons on the TV remote control.

156

TV playback

Sync Menu items

Notes

• The operations available are restricted when the camera is connected to a TV using

an HDMI cable (sold separately).

• Only TVs that support “BRAVIA” Sync can provide these operations. SYNC

MENU operations differ depending on the TV connected. For details, refer to the

operating instructions supplied with the TV.

• If the camera performs unwanted operations in response to the TV remote control

when the camera is connected to another manufacturer’s TV using an HDMI

connection, set [CTRL FOR HDMI] in the Setup menu to [Off].

Slide Show Plays back images automatically (page 150).

Single-image

playback

Returns to the single-image screen.

Image Index Switches to the image index screen.

Still/Movie Select Switches the view mode.

Delete Deletes images.

157

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Camera Setup

Camera Setup (Advanc ed Operations)

Setting the aspect ratio and image

quality

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

ratio

Notes

• [Aspect Ratio] cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama].

MENU button t 1 t [Quality] t Select the desired setting

Notes

• [Quality] cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama].

Aspect Ratio

3:2 Normal ratio.

16:9 HDTV ratio.

Quality

(RAW) File format: RAW (Records using the RAW compression

format.)

This format does not perform any digital processing on the

images. Select this format to process images on a computer

for professional purposes.

• The image size is fixed to the maximum size. The image

size is not displayed on the screen.

(RAW &

JPEG)

File format: RAW (Records using the RAW compression

format.) + JPEG

A RAW image and a JPEG image are created at the same

time. This is suitable when you need 2 image files, a JPEG

for viewing, and a RAW for editing.

• The image quality is fixed to [Fine] and the image size is

fixed to [L].

(Fine) File format: JPEG

The image is compressed in the JPEG format when recorded.

Since the compression rate of (Standard) is higher than

that of (Fine), the file size of is smaller than that

of . This will allow more files to be recorded on one

memory card, but the image quality will be lower.

(Standard)

158

Setting the aspect ratio and image quality

About RAW images

Download and install “Image Data Converter” on your computer to open a

RAW image recorded on this camera. With this software, a RAW image

can be opened and converted to a common format, such as JPEG or TIFF,

and its white balance, color saturation, contrast, etc., can be readjusted.

• The RAW format image cannot be printed using a DPOF (print)

designated printer.

• You cannot set [Auto HDR] or [Picture Effect] for RAW format images.

159

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Setting the other camera functions

When you set the shutter speed to 1 second or longer (Long exposure

shooting), noise reduction is turned on for the same duration that the shutter

is open. This reduces the grainy noise typical for a long exposure. When

noise reduction is in progress, a message appears and you cannot take

another picture. Select [On] to prioritize the image quality. Select [Off] to

prioritize the timing of shooting.

MENU button t 2 t [Long Exposure NR] t Select the

desired setting

Notes

• Noise reduction is not performed even when [Long Exposure NR] is set to [On] in

the following situations.

– When the exposure mode is set to [Sweep Panorama], [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority

AE], or [Sports Action] or [Hand-held Twilight] in [Scene Selection]

– When [Drive Mode] is set to [Cont. Shooting] or [Bracket: Cont.]

– When [ISO] is set to [Multi Frame Noise Reduct.]

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto] or [Scene

Selection], you cannot turn off noise reduction.

The camera reduces the noise that becomes more noticeable when the

camera sensitivity is high. A message may be displayed during processing

and you cannot record images during this time.

Normally, set it to [Normal]. Select [High] to reduce the noise. Select

[Low] to prioritize the timing of shooting.

MENU button t 2 t [High ISO NR] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• When the exposure mode is set to [Intelligent Auto], [Superior Auto], [Sweep

Panorama], or [Scene Selection], this item cannot be set.

• Noise reduction is not performed on RAW images.

Long Exposure NR

High ISO NR

160

Setting the other camera functions

The way colors are represented with combinations of numbers or the range

of color reproduction is called “color space.” You can change the color

space, depending on your purpose.

MENU button t 3 t [Color Space] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• Adobe RGB is for applications or printers that support color management and

DCF2.0 option color space. Using applications or printers that do not support them

may result in images or prints that do not faithfully reproduce the color.

• When displaying images that were recorded with Adobe RGB on the camera or non-

Adobe RGB-compliant devices, the images are displayed with low saturation.

You can release the shutter when no lens is attached. Select this when you

attach the camera to an astronomical telescope, etc.

MENU button t 1 t [Release w/o Lens] t [Enable]

Notes

• Correct metering cannot be achieved when you use lenses that do not provide a lens

contact, such as the lens of an astronomical telescope. In such cases, adjust the

exposure manually by checking it on the recorded image.

Color Space

sRGB This is the standard color space of the digital camera. Use

sRGB in normal shooting, such as when you intend to print

out the images without any modifications.

AdobeRGB This has a wide range of color reproduction. When a large

part of the subject is vivid green or red, Adobe RGB is

effective.

• The file name of the image starts with “_DSC.”

Release w/o Lens

161

Setting the other camera functions

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

The grid line is an auxiliary line for shooting composition. You can set the

grid line to on/off or select the type of grid line. The available range of

movie recording is also displayed.

MENU button t 2 t [Grid Line] t Select the desired setting

You can check the recorded image on the screen immediately after

shooting. You can change the displayed time.

MENU button t 2 t [Auto Review] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• In auto review, the image will not be displayed in the vertical position even if

[Playback Display] is set to [Auto Rotate] (page 150).

• In auto review, the camera may display an image for which an image process, such

as [Lens Comp.: Distortion], has not been performed, then display the same image

for which an image process has been performed.

The function of the AEL button can be selected from the following 2

functions (page 123):

– Holding the locked exposure value by pressing down and holding the

AEL button ([AEL hold]).

– Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button until the

button is pressed again ([AEL toggle]).

When [ AEL hold] or [ AEL toggle] is selected, the exposure is locked

in spot metering mode.

MENU button t 3 t [Func. of AEL button] t Select the

desired setting

Grid Line

Auto Review

Func. of AEL button

162

Setting the other camera functions

Notes

• While the exposure value is locked, appears on the LCD screen and in the

viewfinder. Be careful not to reset the setting.

• When [AEL toggle] is selected, be sure to press the AEL button again to release the

lock.

To assign another function to the AEL button

You can assign one of the following functions to the AEL button in

addition to the AEL function:

Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/AF area/

Smile/Face Detect./Auto Object Framing/ISO/Metering Mode/Flash

Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/

Image Size/Quality/Lock-on AF/AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result

Preview/Zoom/Focus Magnifier

You can also assign another function to the ISO button, other than the ISO

function. The functions available are the same as those of [Func. of AEL

button] (page 161).

MENU button t 3 t [ISO Button] t Select the desired

setting

You can check the approximate blurring of the background of the subject

before shooting (page 94). You can also assign [Focus Magnifier] to the

preview button, which allows you to magnify the image to confirm the

focus before shooting (page 116).

MENU button t 3 t [Preview Button] t Select the desired

setting

ISO Button

Preview Button

163

Setting the other camera functions

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

The electronic front curtain shutter function shortens the time lag between

shutter releases.

MENU button t 4 t [e-Front Curtain Shutter] t Select the

desired setting

Notes

• When you shoot at high shutter speeds, ghosting of a blurred area may occur and the

image brightness may be uneven, depending on the subject or shooting conditions.

In such cases, set [e-Front Curtain Shutter] to [Off].

• When a Minolta/Konica Minolta lens is used, set [e-Front Curtain Shutter] to [Off].

The brightness of the viewfinder is automatically adjusted to the lighting

conditions of the subject.

You can set the brightness of the viewfinder manually.

MENU button t 1 t [Viewfinder Bright.] t [Manual] t

Select the desired setting

Shot. Result Preview The aperture is narrowed to match the selected aperture value

and you can check the blurring. The effect of DRO or the

shutter speed value is also reflected.

• The preview image may be darker, depending on the

shutter speed value. However, you can record images based

on the brightness you have set.

Aperture Preview The aperture is narrowed to match the selected aperture value

and you can check the blurring.

Focus Magnifier You can magnify the image to confirm the focus before

shooting.

Electronic Front Curtain Shutter

Viewfinder Bright.

164

Setting the other camera functions

You can shorten the waiting time until the camera turns on power save

mode when it is not being operated to prevent the battery from being

consumed. If you operate the camera, for example, pressing the shutter

button halfway down, the camera returns to shooting mode. If you do not

operate the camera for a set period of time, the brightness of the LCD

screen is reduced.

MENU button t 1 t [Power Save] t Select the desired

setting

To change the waiting time until the camera turns on the power

save mode

You can set different time intervals in which the camera switches to power

save mode.

MENU button t 1 t [Power Saving Start Time] t Select the

desired time

Notes

• When the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately) is used, [Power Save] cannot

be set to [Max].

• The camera does not turn to power save mode when the camera is connected to a

TV.

• If you set [Power Save] to [Max], [Power Saving Start Time] is set to [10 Sec].

You can disable automatic switching of the LCD screen and the viewfinder

and enable only the FINDER/LCD button to switch them.

MENU button t 1 t [FINDER/LCD Setting] t [Manual]

Power Save

FINDER/LCD Setting

165

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Lens compensation

You can automatically compensate for the following characteristics: light

fall-off at the edges, chromatic aberration, and distortion (only for

automatic compensation compliant lenses). For further information on

automatic compensation compliant lenses, visit the Sony web site, or

consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Compensates for the shaded corners of the screen caused by certain lens

characteristics. The default setting is [Auto].

MENU button t 4 t [Lens Comp.: Shading] t Select the

desired setting

Reduces the color deviation at the corners of the screen caused by certain

lens characteristics. The default setting is [Auto].

MENU button t 4 t [Lens Comp.: Chro. Aber.] t Select the

desired setting

Compensates for the distortion of the screen caused by certain lens

characteristics. The default setting is [Off].

MENU button t 4 t [Lens Comp.: Distortion] t Select the

desired setting

Lens Comp.: Peripheral Shading

Lens Comp.: Chromatic Aberration

Lens Comp.: Distortion

166

Setting the memory card recording

method

Note that formatting irrevocably erases all data on a memory card,

including protected images.

MENU button t 1 t [Format] t [Enter]

Notes

• During formatting, the access lamp lights up. Do not eject the memory card while

the lamp is lit.

• Format the memory card using the camera. If you format it on a computer, the

memory card may not be usable with the camera, depending on the format type used.

• Formatting may take several minutes depending on the memory card.

• If the remaining battery time is 1 percent or less, you cannot format memory cards.

MENU button t 1 t [File Number] t Select the desired

setting

The recorded still images are stored in automatically-created folders in the

DCIM folder of the memory card.

MENU button t 1 t [Folder Name] t Select the desired

setting

Format

File Number

Series The camera does not reset numbers and assigns numbers to

files in sequence until the number reaches “9999.”

Reset The camera resets numbers when a file is recorded in a new

folder and assigns numbers to files from “0001.” When the

recording folder contains a file, a number one higher than the

largest number is assigned.

Folder Name

167

Setting the memory card recording method

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Notes

• The MP4 movie folder form is fixed as “folder number + ANV01.”

When a standard form folder is selected and there are 2 or more folders,

you can select the recording folder to which images are recorded.

MENU button t 1 t [Select REC Folder] t Select the

desired folder

Notes

• You cannot select the folder when you select the [Date Form] setting.

You can create a folder on a memory card for recording images.

A new folder is created with a folder number one higher than the largest

number currently in use, and the new folder becomes the current recording

folder. A folder for still images and a folder for MP4 movies are created at

the same time.

MENU button t 1 t [New Folder]

Notes

• When you insert a memory card that was used with other equipment into the camera

and shoot images, a new folder may be automatically created.

• Up to 4,000 images can be stored in a folder. When the maximum image number is

exceeded, a new folder is automatically created.

Standard Form The folder name format is as follows: folder number +

MSDCF.

Example: 100MSDCF

Date Form The folder name format is as follows: folder number + Y (the

last digit)/MM/DD.

Example: 10030405 (Folder name: 100, date: 2013/04/05)

Select REC Folder

New Folder

168

Setting the memory card recording method

When inconsistencies are caused in the image database file by processing

files on computers, etc., images on the memory card will not be played

back on this camera. If this happens, the camera repairs the file.

MENU button t 1 t [Recover Image DB] t [Enter]

Notes

• Use a sufficiently charged battery. Low battery power during repairs can damage

data.

Select [On] to use the upload function of an Eye-Fi card (commercially

available).

This item appears when an Eye-Fi card is inserted in the camera.

MENU button t 2 t [Upload Settings] t [On]

Communication status

Notes

• The Power Save function does not work while the camera is uploading images.

• Before using an Eye-Fi card, set up a wireless LAN access point and forwarding

destination. For details, refer to the operating manual supplied with the Eye-Fi card.

• Eye-Fi cards are sold in the U.S.A., Canada, Japan, and some countries in the EU (as

of March 2013).

• For more information, please contact the manufacturer or vendor directly.

• Eye-Fi cards can be used only in the countries/regions where they were purchased.

Use Eye-Fi cards in accordance with the laws of the countries/regions in which you

purchased the card.

Recover Image DB

Upload Settings

Standby. No images are to be sent.

Upload standby.

Connecting.

Uploading.

Error.

169

Setting the memory card recording method

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

• Eye-Fi cards include a wireless LAN function. Do not insert any Eye-Fi cards in the

camera when it is prohibited to do so, such as on an airplane. If there is an Eye-Fi

card inserted in the camera, set [Upload Settings] to [Off]. is displayed on the

screen when [Upload Settings] is set to [Off].

• When you use a new Eye-Fi card for the first time, copy the install file of the Eye-Fi

manager recorded on the card to your computer before formatting the card.

• Use an Eye-Fi card after updating the firmware to the latest version. For details, refer

to the manual that comes with the Eye-Fi card.

• If (error) is displayed, remove the memory card and reinsert it, or turn off then

turn on the power again. If appears again, the Eye-Fi card may be damaged.

• Wi-Fi network communication may be influenced by other communication devices.

If the communication status is poor, move closer to the access point of the Wi-Fi

network.

• For details on the file types that can be uploaded, refer to the operating instructions

supplied with the Eye-Fi card.

• This product does not support the Eye-Fi “Endless Memory Mode.” Make sure that

Eye-Fi cards that you insert into this product have “Endless Memory Mode” turned

off.

170

Resetting to default settings

You can reset the main functions of the camera.

MENU button t 3 t [Initialize] t Select the desired setting

t [OK]

The following items will be reset.

Shooting functions (Reset Default/Rec mode reset)

Still shooting menu (Reset Default/Rec mode reset)

Items Reset to

Exposure Comp. (43) ±0.0

Drive Mode (45, 143) Single Shooting

Flash Mode (41, 126) Fill-flash (differs based on whether the

built-in flash is open)

Autofocus Mode (109) AF-A

AF area (110) Wide

Lock-on AF (111) On

Smile/Face Detect. (117, 120) Face Detection On (Regist. Faces)

Auto Object Framing (119) Auto

ISO (129) AUTO

Metering Mode (123) Multi segment

Flash Comp. (124) ±0.0

White Balance (136) AWB (Auto WB)

Color Temp./Color Filter (138) 5500K, Color Filter 0

Custom white balance (138) 5500K

DRO/Auto HDR (130) D-Range Optimizer: Auto

Creative Style (134) Standard

Picture Effect (133) Off

Scene Selection (38, 86) Portrait

Movie (102) P

Items Reset to

Image Size (47) L: 20M

Aspect Ratio (157) 3:2

171

Resetting to default settings

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Movie shooting menu (Reset Default/Rec mode reset)

Custom menu (Reset Default/Custom reset)

Quality (157) Fine

Panorama: Size (47) Standard

Panorama: Direction (89) Right

Clear Image Zoom (140) On

Digital Zoom (101, 140) Off

Long Exposure NR (159) On

High ISO NR (159) Normal

Flash control (124) ADI flash

AF Illuminator (111) Auto

SteadyShot (83) On

Color Space (160) sRGB

AEL w/ shutter (123) On

Items Reset to

File Format (103) AVCHD

Record Setting (104) 60i 17M(FH), 50i 17M(FH)

SteadyShot (83) On

AF Track. Duration (56) Mid

Audio Recording (105) On

Wind Noise Reduct. (105) Off

Items Reset to

Eye-Start AF (77) Off

FINDER/LCD Setting (164) Auto

Red Eye Reduction (57) Off

Release w/o Lens (160) Disable

S. Auto Cont. Shooting (85) Auto

S. Auto Image Extract. (85) Auto

Grid Line (161) Off

Auto Review (161) 2 Sec

Items Reset to

172

Resetting to default settings

Playback menu (Reset Default)

Memory Card Tool menu (Reset Default)

DISP Button(Monitor) (78) Display All Info./Graphic Display/No

Disp. Info.

DISP Button(Finder) (78) No Disp. Info./Graphic Display

Peaking Level (115) Off

Peaking Color (115) White

Live View Display (80) Setting Effect ON

Func. of AEL button (161) AEL hold

ISO Button (162) ISO

Preview Button (162) Shot. Result Preview

Focus Hold Button (58) Focus Hold

MOVIE Button (58) Always

Lens Comp.: Shading (165) Auto

Lens Comp.: Chro. Aber. (165) Auto

Lens Comp.: Distortion (165) Off

e-Front Curtain Shutter (163) On

Items Reset to

Still/Movie Select (149) Folder View(Still)

Slide Show – Interval (150) 3 Sec

Slide Show – Repeat (150) Off

Image Index (49) 4 Images

Specify Printing – Date Imprint (184) Off

Volume Settings (59) 2

Playback Display (150) Auto Rotate

Items Reset to

File Number (166) Series

Folder Name (166) Standard Form

Items Reset to

173

Resetting to default settings

Camera Setup (Advanced Operations)

Setup menu (Reset Default)

Others (Reset Default)

Notes

• Faces registered using [Face Registration] are not deleted even if you use [Reset

Default]. Select [Delete All] in [Face Registration] in the Custom menu.

• Perform [Reset Default] to reset [Date/Time Setup], [Area Setting], [File Number],

and [ Language] to the default settings.

Items Reset to

Menu start (60) Top

Mode Dial Guide (60) On

LCD Brightness (60) ±0

Viewfinder Bright. (163) Auto

Viewfinder Color Temp. (60) 0

Power Save (164) Standard

Power Saving Start Time (164) 1 Min

HDMI Resolution (155) Auto

CTRL FOR HDMI (155) On

Upload Settings (168) On

USB Connection (177) Auto

USB LUN Setting (177) Multi

Audio signals (61) On

Demo Mode (61) Off

Items Reset to

Recording information display (LCD

screen) (46)

Display All Info.

Recording information display

(Viewfinder) (46)

No Disp. Info.

Playback display (147) Single-image screen (with recording

information)

174

Confirming the camera version

Displays the camera version. Confirm the version when a firmware update

is released.

If you mount a lens compatible with the lens version up feature, the lens

version is also displayed.

MENU button t 3 t [Version]

Notes

• An update can be performed only when the battery level is (3 remaining

battery icons) or more. We recommend that you use a battery with sufficient charge

or the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately).

175

Computer (Advanced Operations)

Computer

Comput er (Advanced Op erations)

Using the camera with your computer

Use the following applications to allow more versatile uses of images shot

using your camera.

• “PlayMemories Home”

You can import still images or movies recorded using the camera to your

computer so that you can view them, and use various convenient features

to enhance the images you have shot.

• “Image Data Converter”

You can open RAW format image files.

For detailed notes on installation, see page 66.

Notes

• An Internet connection is required to install the software.

• Use “Image Data Converter” to play back RAW images.

• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac computers. When you play back

images on Mac computers, use the appropriate application software supplied with

the Mac computer.

The following computer environment is recommended when using the

software and importing images via a USB connection.

* 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Windows Image

Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function

for creating discs.

Recommended computer environment (Windows)

OS (pre-installed) Microsoft Windows XP* SP3/Windows Vista** SP2/

Windows 7 SP1/Windows 8

“PlayMemories

Home”

CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster

(For playing/editing High Definition movies: Intel Core Duo

1.66 GHz or faster/Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or faster, Intel

Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz or faster (AVC HD (FX/FH)))

Memory: Windows XP 512MB or more (1 GB or more is

recommended), Windows Vista/Windows 7 1 GB or more

Hard Disk: Disk space required for installation-

approximately 500 MB

Display: Screen resolution-1024 × 768 dots or more

“Image Data

Converter Ver.4”

CPU/Memory: Pentium 4 or faster/1 GB or more

Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more

176

Using the camera with your computer

** Starter (Edition) is not supported.

The following computer environment is recommended when using the

software and importing images via a USB connection.

Notes

• Operation is not assured in an environment based on an upgrade of the operating

systems described above or in a multi-boot environment.

• If you connect 2 or more USB devices to a single computer at the same time, some

devices, including the camera, may not operate, depending on the types of USB

devices you are using.

• Connecting the camera using a USB interface that is compatible with Hi-Speed USB

(USB 2.0 compliant) allows advanced transfer (high speed transfer), as the camera is

compatible with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant).

• When your computer resumes activity from suspend or sleep mode, communication

between the camera and your computer may not recover at the same time.

Recommended computer environment (Mac)

OS (pre-installed) USB Connection: Mac OS X v10.3 – 10.8

“Image Data Converter Ver.4”: Mac OS X v10.5, 10.6

(Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion), 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

“Image Data

Converter Ver.4”

CPU: Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or faster

Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended.

Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more

177

Computer (Advanced Operations)

Connecting the camera to a computer

Selects the method used to make a USB connection between the camera

and a computer or a USB device using a USB cable.

MENU button t 2 t [USB Connection] t Select the desired

setting

Notes

• When [USB Connection] is set to [Auto], it may take some time to establish a

connection.

• If Device Stage* is not displayed with Windows 7 or Windows 8, set [USB

Connection] to [Auto].

* Device Stage is a menu screen used to manage connected devices, such as a camera

(Function of Windows 7 or Windows 8).

Enhances compatibility by limiting of USB connection functions.

MENU button t 2 t [USB LUN Setting] t Select the

desired setting

Making a USB connection

Auto Establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection

automatically, based on the computer or other USB devices

to be connected. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are

connected in MTP, and its unique functions are enabled for

use.

Mass Storage Establishes a Mass Storage connection between the camera, a

computer, and other USB devices.

MTP Establishes an MTP connection between the camera, a

computer, and other USB devices. Windows 7 or Windows 8

computers are connected in MTP, and its unique functions

are enabled for use. In the case of other computers (Windows

Vista/XP, Mac OS X), the AutoPlay Wizard appears, and the

still images in the recording folder on the camera are

imported to the computer.

PC Remote Uses “Remote Camera Control” to control the camera from

the computer, including such functions as shooting and

storing images on the computer (page 68).

Setting the USB connection mode (USB LUN Setting)

178

Connecting the camera to a computer

“PlayMemories Home” allows you to easily import images.

For details on “PlayMemories Home” functions, see the “PlayMemories

Home Help Guide.”

Multi Normally, use [Multi].

Single Set [USB LUN Setting] to [Single] only if you cannot make a

connection.

Connecting to a computer

1 Insert a sufficiently charged battery pack into the camera, or

connect the camera to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC-

PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately).

2 Turn on the camera and the computer.

3 Check that [USB Connection] in 2 is set to [Mass Storage].

4 Connect the camera to your

computer.

• When a USB connection is established

for the first time, your computer

automatically runs a program to

recognize the camera. Wait for a while.

Importing images to a computer (Windows)

1 To a USB terminal of the

computer

USB cable (supplied)

2 To the Multi/Micro USB Terminal

179

Connecting the camera to a computer

Computer (Advanced Operations)

Importing images to the computer without using “PlayMemories Home”

When the AutoPlay Wizard appears after making a USB connection

between the camera and a computer, click [Open folder to view files] t

[OK] t [DCIM] or [MP_ROOT] t copy the desired images to the

computer.

File name

• ssss (file number) stands for any number within the range of 0001 to

9999.

• When [Quality] is set to [RAW & JPEG], the numerical portions of the

name of a RAW data file and its corresponding JPEG file are the same.

Notes

• For operations such as importing AVCHD movies to the computer, use

“PlayMemories Home.”

• When the camera is connected to the computer, if you operate AVCHD movies or

folders from the connected computer, images may be damaged or may not be able to

be played. Do not delete or copy AVCHD movies on the memory card from the

computer. Sony is not liable for consequences resulting from such operations via the

computer.

Folder Type of file File name

DCIM folder JPEG file DSC0ssss.JPG

JPEG file (AdobeRGB) _DSCssss.JPG

RAW file DSC0ssss.ARW

RAW file (AdobeRGB) _DSCssss.ARW

MP_ROOT folder MP4 file (1440×1080 12M) MAH0ssss.MP4

MP4 file (VGA 3M) MAQ0ssss.MP4

Importing images to a computer (Mac)

1 Connect the camera to your Mac computer first. Double-click

the new icon on the desktop t the folder where the images

you want to import are stored.

180

Connecting the camera to a computer

Software for Mac computers

For details on other software for Mac computers, access the following

URL:

http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/

Perform steps 1 and 2 below before performing the following operations:

• Disconnecting the USB cable.

• Removing the memory card.

• Turning off the camera.

Notes

• With Mac computers, drag and drop the icon of the memory card or the drive icon to

the “Trash” icon before you disconnect the camera from the computer.

• With Windows 7, the disconnect icon may not be displayed. In that case, you can

disconnect without following the above procedure.

• Do not disconnect the USB cable when the access lamp is lit. The data may be

damaged.

2 Drag and drop the image files to the hard disk icon.

The image files are copied to the hard disk.

3 Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file in the

folder containing the copied files.

The image is displayed.

Deleting the USB connection

1 Double-click the disconnect icon

in the tasktray.

• For Windows 7 or Windows 8, click

, then click .

Disconnect icon

2 Click (Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device).

Windows Vista

181

Computer (Advanced Operations)

Creating a movie disc

You can create a high definition quality (HD) AVCHD recording disc from

AVCHD movies imported to a computer using the software

“PlayMemories Home.”

Notes

• Install “PlayMemories Home” beforehand.

• Still images and MP4 movie files cannot be recorded on the AVCHD recording disc.

• It may take a long time to create a disc.

Playing back an AVCHD recording disc on a computer

You can play back the discs using “PlayMemories Home.” Select the DVD

drive that holds the disc and click [Player for AVCHD] on “PlayMemories

Home.”

See “PlayMemories Home Help Guide” for details.

Notes

• Movies may not be played smoothly depending on the computer environment.

Creating a high definition quality (HD) disc (AVCHD

recording disc) on a computer

1 Start up [PlayMemories Home] and select Tools in the

upper right of the screen t (Create Discs) t (AVCHD

(HD)).

2 Select the AVCHD movies you want to write, then drag and drop

onto the right side of the screen.

3 Create the disc, following the instructions on the screen.

182

Creating a movie disc

Creating a Blu-ray disc

You can create a Blu-ray disc using AVCHD movies previously imported

to a computer. Your computer must support the creation of Blu-ray discs.

BD-R (non-rewritable) and BD-RE (rewritable) media can be used to create

Blu-ray discs. You cannot add content to either type of disc once it has been

created.

To create Blu-ray discs using “PlayMemories Home,” install proprietary

add-on software. For details, access the following URL:

http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/BDUW/

An Internet connection environment is required to install the software.

See “PlayMemories Home Help Guide” for details.

Notes

• Install “PlayMemories Home” beforehand.

• MP4 movie files cannot be recorded on a disc.

• It will take a longer time to create a disc because AVCHD movies are converted to

standard definition quality (STD) movies.

• An Internet connection environment is required when creating a DVD-Video (STD)

disc for the first time.

Creating a standard definition quality (STD) disc

1 Start up [PlayMemories Home] and select Tools in the

upper right of the screen t (Create Discs) t (DVD-

Video (STD)).

2 Select the AVCHD movies you want to write, then drag and drop

onto the right side of the screen.

3 Create the disc, following the instructions on the screen.

183

Creating a movie disc

Computer (Advanced Operations)

You can use the following types of 12 cm discs using “PlayMemories

Home.” For Blu-ray discs, see page 182.

• Always update your PlayStation®3 to the latest version of the

PlayStation®3 system software.

• The PlayStation®3 may not be available in some countries/regions.

Discs you can use with “PlayMemories Home”

Disc type Features

DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL Unrewritable

DVD-RW/DVD+RW Rewritable

184

Print ( Advanced Oper ations)

Specifying DPOF

Using the camera, you can specify still images before printing them at a

shop or with your printer. Follow the procedure below.

DPOF specifications are left with images after printing. It is recommended

that you unspecify them after printing.

Notes

• You cannot specify DPOF on RAW data files.

• You cannot specify the number of images to be printed.

You can add the date to images when printing them. The position of the

date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your

printer.

MENU button t 1 t [Specify Printing] t [Date Imprint] t

[On]

Notes

• This function may not be available, depending on the printer.

1 MENU button t 1 t [Specify Printing] t [DPOF Setup]

t [Multiple Img.] t [Enter]

2 Select the image using b/B on the control button.

3 Press the center of the control button to add a mark.

• To unspecify DPOF, select the image again, then press the center of the

control button.

4 Press the MENU button.

5 Select [OK] using v, then press the center of the control button.

Date Imprint

185

Cleaning (Advanced Operations)

Cleaning

Cleaning (Ad vanced Oper ations)

Cleaning the camera and lens

• Do not touch parts inside the camera, such as the lens contacts or the

mirror. Since dust on the mirror or around the mirror may affect the

images or the performance of the camera, blow the dust away using a

commercially available blower*. For details on cleaning the image

sensor, see the next page.

* Do not use a spray-type blower as doing so may cause a malfunction.

• Clean the camera surface with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water,

then wipe the surface with a dry cloth. To avoid damaging the finish or

casing, follow the instructions below.

– Do not use the chemical products such as thinner, benzine, alcohol,

disposable cloths, insect repellent, sunscreen or insecticide, etc.

– Do not touch the camera with the above substances on your hand.

– Do not leave the camera in contact with rubber or vinyl for extended

periods of time.

• Do not use a cleaning solution containing organic solvents, such as

thinner or benzine.

• When cleaning the lens surface, remove dust using a commercially

available blower. In case of dust that sticks to the surface, wipe it off

using a soft cloth or tissue paper slightly moistened with lens cleaning

solution. Wipe in a spiral pattern from the center to the outside. Do not

spray lens cleaning solution directly onto the lens surface.

Cleaning the camera

Cleaning the lens

186

Cleaning the image sensor

If dust or debris enters the camera and adheres to the image sensor (the part

that acts as the film), it may appear as dark spots on the photo image,

depending on the shooting environment. If there is dust on the image

sensor, clean it following the steps below.

Notes

• Do not use a spray-type blower as doing so may scatter water droplets inside the

camera body.

Cleaning the image sensor automatically using the

camera’s cleaning mode

1 Press the MENU button, then

select 3 using b/B on the

control button.

MENU button

2 Select [Cleaning Mode] using v/

V, then press the center of the

control button.

3 Select [Enter] using v, and press the center of the control

button.

The image sensor vibrates for a short time, and eliminates dust from the

sensor.

4 Turn off the camera.

187

Cleaning the image sensor

Cleaning (Advanced Operations)

If further cleaning is needed after using cleaning mode, clean the image

sensor using a blower, following the steps below.

Cleaning the image sensor using a blower

1 Perform the cleaning operation described in steps 1 to 4 of

“Cleaning the image sensor automatically using the camera’s

cleaning mode.”

2 Detach the lens (page 25).

3 Push the V mark on the mirror

lock lever with a finger to lift up

the mirror.

• Be careful not to touch the surface of

the mirror.

Mirror lock lever

4 Use the blower to clean the image

sensor surface and the

surrounding area.

• Do not touch the image sensor with the

tip of the blower and do not put the tip

of the blower into the cavity beyond the

mount.

• Hold the camera face downward to

prevent the dust from resettling in the

camera. Complete the cleaning quickly.

• Also clean the back of the mirror using

the blower.

188

Cleaning the image sensor

Notes

• After cleaning is finished, confirm that the mirror is locked down firmly when you

attach the lens. Otherwise the lens may be scratched or additional problems may be

caused. Also, if the mirror is not locked down firmly, the autofocus will not work

while shooting.

• You cannot shoot while the mirror is lifted up.

5 After cleaning is finished, lower

the mirror with a finger until it

clicks.

• Lower the mirror frame back down

with a finger. Be careful not to touch

the mirror surface.

• Lower the mirror down until it locks

firmly.

6 Attach the lens and turn the camera off.

• Confirm that the mirror is locked down firmly when you attach the lens.

189

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Troubleshooting/Others

Troublesho oting/Othe rs (Advanced Operations)

Troubleshooting

If you experience trouble with the camera, try the following solutions.

The battery pack cannot be installed.

• As you insert the battery pack, use the tip of the battery pack to push the

lock lever (page 21).

• Only an NP-FM500H battery pack can be used. Make sure that the battery

is NP-FM500H.

The remaining battery level indicator shows incorrect level or power runs

out quickly despite the indicator showing sufficient battery level. Cannot

turn on the camera.

• This phenomenon occurs when you use the camera in an extremely hot or

cold location (page 200).

• The battery pack is discharged. Install a charged battery pack (page 19).

• The battery pack is dead (page 208). Replace it with a new one.

• Install the battery pack correctly (page 21).

Check the following items.

Remove the battery pack and reinsert it after about 1 minute, and

turn on the power.

Reset the settings (page 170).

Consult your dealer or local authorized service facility.

Battery pack and power

190

Troubleshooting

The power turns off suddenly.

• If you do not operate the camera for a certain period of time, the camera

reverts to power-saving mode. To cancel power saving, operate the camera,

such as pressing the shutter button halfway down (page 164).

The CHARGE lamp flashes when charging the battery pack.

• Only an NP-FM500H battery pack can be used. Make sure that the battery

is NP-FM500H.

• If you charge a battery pack that has not been used for a long time, the

CHARGE lamp may flash.

• The CHARGE lamp flashes in 2 ways, quickly (at about 0.15-second

intervals) or slowly (at about 1.5-second intervals).

If it is flashing quickly, remove the battery pack and reattach the same

battery pack securely. If the CHARGE lamp flashes quickly again, it

suggests that there is something wrong with the battery pack.

Slow flashing indicates that charging is suspended because the ambient

temperature is outside the suitable range for charging the battery pack.

Charging will resume and the CHARGE lamp will be lit when the ambient

temperature returns to within the suitable temperature.

Charge the battery pack under suitable temperatures between 10°C and

30°C (50°F and 86°F).

Nothing is displayed on the LCD screen in viewfinder mode when the

power is turned on.

• [FINDER/LCD Setting] is set to [Manual]. Press the FINDER/LCD button

(page 164).

The image is not clear in the viewfinder.

• Adjust the diopter scale properly using the diopter-adjustment dial

(page 29).

No images in the viewfinder.

• [FINDER/LCD Setting] is set to [Manual]. Press the FINDER/LCD button

(page 164).

• Move your eye a little closer to the viewfinder.

Shooting images

191

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

The shutter does not release.

• You are using a memory card with a write-protect switch, and the switch is

set to the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position.

• Check the free capacity of the memory card.

• You cannot record images while charging the built-in flash (pages 41, 126).

• In autofocus mode, the shutter cannot be released when the subject is out of

focus.

• The lens is not attached properly. Attach the lens properly (page 24).

• When the camera is attached to another device, such as an astronomical

telescope, set [Release w/o Lens] to [Enable] (page 160).

• The subject may require special focusing (page 107). Use the focus-lock or

manual focus function (pages 108, 114).

Recording takes a long time.

• The noise reduction function is turned on (page 159). This is not a

malfunction.

• You are shooting in RAW mode (page 157). Since RAW data files are

large, RAW mode shooting may take time.

• The Auto HDR is processing an image (page 130).

The same image is shot several times.

• The drive mode is set to [Cont. Shooting] or [Bracket: Cont.]. Set [Drive

Mode] to [Single Shooting] (pages 45, 143).

• The exposure mode is set to [Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE] (pages 40, 90).

• The exposure mode is set to [Superior Auto] and [S. Auto Image Extract.] is

set to [Off] (page 85).

The image is out of focus.

• The subject is too close. Check the minimum focal distance of the lens.

• You are shooting in manual focus mode. Set the focus mode switch to AF

(autofocus) (page 106).

• When the lens has a focus mode switch, set it to AF.

• The ambient light is insufficient.

Eye-Start AF does not work.

• Set [Eye-Start AF] to [On] (page 77).

• Press the shutter button halfway down.

192

Troubleshooting

The flash does not work.

• The flash mode is set to [Autoflash]. If you want to make sure the flash fires

each time, set the flash mode to [Fill-flash] (pages 41, 126).

The flash takes too long to recharge.

• The flash has been fired in quick succession over a short period. When the

flash has been fired in succession, the recharging process may take longer

than usual to avoid overheating of the camera.

A picture taken using the flash is too dark.

• If the subject is beyond the flash range (the distance that the flash can

reach), the pictures will be dark because the flash light does not reach the

subject. If the ISO is changed, the flash range also changes with it. Check

the flash range in “Specifications.”

The date and time are recorded incorrectly.

• Set the correct date and time (page 27).

• The area selected in [Area Setting] is different from the actual area. Set

[Area Setting] again (page 27).

The aperture value and/or shutter speed flashes when you press the

shutter button halfway down.

• Since the subject is too bright or too dark, it is beyond the available range of

the camera. Adjust the setting again.

The image is whitish (Flare).

Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting).

• The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive light has

entered the lens. Attach a lens hood.

The corners of the picture are too dark.

• If a filter or hood was used, take it off and try shooting again. Depending on

the thickness of the filter and improper attachment of the hood, the filter or

the hood may partially appear in the image. The optical properties of some

lenses may cause the periphery of the image to appear too dark (insufficient

light). You can compensate for this phenomenon with [Lens Comp.:

Shading] (page 165).

193

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

The eyes of the subject are red.

• Activate the red eye reduction function (page 57).

• Get close to the subject, and shoot the subject within the flash range using

the flash. Check the flash range in “Specifications.”

Dots appear and remain on the LCD screen.

• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded (page 10).

The image is blurred.

• The picture was taken in a dark location without the flash, resulting in

camera shake. We recommend using a tripod or the flash (pages 41, 84,

126).

The EV scale b B is flashing.

• The subject is too bright or too dark for the metering range of the camera.

Your camera cannot play back images.

• The folder/file name has been changed on your computer (page 179).

• When an image file has been processed by a computer or when the image

file was recorded using a model other than that of your camera, playback on

your camera is not guaranteed.

• Use “PlayMemories Home” to play images stored on a PC with this camera.

• The camera is in USB mode. Delete the USB connection (page 180).

Your camera cannot delete an image.

• Cancel protection (page 152).

You have deleted an image by mistake.

• Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. We recommend that

you protect images that you do not want to delete (page 152).

Viewing images

Deleting images

194

Troubleshooting

You do not know if the OS of your computer is compatible with the

camera.

• Check “Using the camera with your computer” (page 175).

Your computer does not recognize your camera.

• Check that the camera is turned on.

• When the battery level is low, install a charged battery pack (page 19) or

use the AC Adaptor (sold separately).

• Use the USB cable (supplied) (page 178).

• Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firmly.

• Disconnect all equipment other than the camera, the keyboard and the

mouse from the USB jacks of your computer.

• Connect the camera directly to your computer without passing through a

USB hub or other device (page 178).

You cannot copy images.

• Make the USB connection by properly connecting the camera with your

computer (page 178).

• Follow the designated copy procedure for your OS (page 178).

• When you shoot images using a memory card formatted by a computer, you

may not be able to copy the images to a computer. Shoot using a memory

card formatted by your camera (page 166).

The image cannot be played back on a computer.

• If you are using “PlayMemories Home,” refer to the “PlayMemories Home

Help Guide.”

• Consult the computer or software manufacturer.

After making a USB connection, “PlayMemories Home” does not start

automatically.

• Make the USB connection after the computer is turned on (page 178).

Computers

195

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Cannot insert a memory card.

• The insertion direction of the memory card is wrong. Insert it in the correct

direction (page 21).

Cannot record on a memory card.

• The memory card is full. Delete unnecessary images (pages 34, 153).

• An incompatible memory card is inserted (pages 23, 205).

You have formatted a memory card by mistake.

• All the data on the memory card is deleted by formatting. You cannot

restore it.

Cannot print images.

• RAW images cannot be printed. To print RAW images, first convert them

to JPEG images using the software “Image Data Converter.”

The color of the image is strange.

• When you print images recorded in Adobe RGB mode using sRGB printers

that are not compatible with Adobe RGB (DCF2.0/Exif2.21), the images

are printed at a lower intensity level (page 160).

Images are printed with both edges cut off.

• Depending on your printer, the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the

image may be cut off. In particular, when you print an image shot with the

aspect ratio set to [16:9], the sides of the image may be cut off.

• When printing images using your printer, cancel the trimming or borderless

settings of the printer. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the

printer provides these functions or not.

• When having images printed at a digital print shop, ask the shop whether

they can print the images without cutting off both edges.

Memory card

Printing

196

Troubleshooting

Cannot print images with the date.

• Using “PlayMemories Home,” you can print images with the date

(page 64).

• This camera does not have a feature for superimposing dates on images.

However, because the images shot with the camera include information on

the recording date, you can print images with the date superimposed if the

printer or the software can recognize Exif information. For compatibility

with Exif information, consult the manufacturer of the printer or the

software.

• When you print images at a shop, images can be printed with the date if you

ask them to do so.

The lens gets fogged.

• Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn off the camera and leave it for

about 1 hour before using it (page 200).

The message “Set Area/Date/Time.” appears when you turn on the

camera.

• The camera has been left unused for some time with a low battery or no

battery pack. Charge the battery pack and set the date again (pages 27, 201).

If the date setting is lost every time the battery pack is charged, consult your

dealer or local authorized service facility.

The number of recordable images does not decrease or decreases 2 at a

time.

• This is because the compression rate and the image size after compression

change depending on the image when you shoot a JPEG image (page 157).

The setting is reset without performing the resetting operation.

• The battery pack was removed while the power switch was set to ON.

When removing the battery pack, make sure the camera is turned off and

the access lamp is not lit (pages 17, 21).

Others

197

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

The camera does not work properly.

• Turn off the camera. Remove the battery pack and insert it again. If the

camera is warm, remove the battery pack, and allow it to cool down before

trying this corrective procedure.

• If an AC Adaptor (sold separately) is used, disconnect the power plug.

Connect the power plug and turn on the camera again. If the camera does

not work after performing these steps, consult your Sony dealer or local

authorized Sony service facility.

appears on the screen.

• The SteadyShot function does not work. You can continue to shoot but the

SteadyShot function will not work. Turn the camera off and on. If the

problem persists, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service

facility.

“--E-” appears on the screen.

• Remove the memory card, and insert it again. If the problem persists even

after performing this procedure, format the memory card.

198

Troublesho oting/Othe rs (Advanced Operations)

Warning

messages

If the following messages appear,

follow the instructions below.

Set Area/Date/Time.

• Set the area, date, and time. If

you have not used the camera for

a long time, charge the internal

rechargeable battery (pages 27,

201).

Unable to use memory card.

Format?

• The memory card was formatted

on a computer and the file format

was modified.

Select [Enter] to format the

memory card. You can use the

memory card again, but all

previous data in the memory

card will be erased. It may take

some time to finish formatting.

If the message still appears,

change the memory card.

Memory Card Error

• An incompatible memory card is

inserted or the format has failed.

Reinsert memory card.

• The inserted memory card

cannot be used in your camera.

• The memory card is damaged.

• The terminal section of the

memory card is dirty.

Memory card locked.

• You are using a memory card

with a write-protect switch, and

the switch is set to the LOCK

position. Set the switch to the

recording position.

Processing...

• Displaying when Long exposure

noise reduction or high ISO

noise reduction will be

performed for the same amount

of time that the shutter was open.

You cannot do any further

shooting during this reduction.

Unable to display.

• Images recorded with other

cameras or images modified with

a computer may not be

displayed.

Check that a lens is mounted. For

an unsupported lens, set “Release

w/o Lens” in the menu to

“Enable”.

• The lens is not attached properly,

or the lens is not attached.

• When attaching the camera to an

astronomical telescope or similar

device, set [Release w/o Lens] to

[Enable].

Unable to print.

• You tried to mark RAW images

with a DPOF mark.

199

Warning messages

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Internal temp. high. Allow it to

cool.

• The camera has become hot

because you have been shooting

continuously.

Turn the power off. Allow the

camera to cool and wait until the

camera is ready to shoot again.

• Because you have been

recording for a long time, the

temperature inside the camera

has increased to an unacceptable

level. Stop recording.

Recording is unavailable in this

movie format.

• Set [File Format] to [MP4].

• The number of images exceeds

that for which date management

in a database file by the camera

is possible.

• Unable to register to the database

file. Import all the images to a

computer using “PlayMemories

Home” and recover the memory

card.

Camera Error. Turn power off then

on.

System Error

• Turn the power off, remove the

battery pack or lens, then reinsert

or reattach it. If the message

appears frequently, consult your

dealer or local authorized service

facility.

Image Database File error.

Recover?

• You cannot record or play back

AVCHD movies because the

Image Database File is damaged.

Follow the on-screen

instructions to recover data.

Unable to magnify.

Unable to rotate image.

• Images recorded with other

cameras may not be magnified or

rotated.

Cannot create more folders.

• A folder with a name beginning

with “999” exists on the memory

card. You cannot create any

folders if this is the case.

200

Precautions

Do not use/store the camera in

the following places

• In an extremely hot, dry or humid

place

In places such as in a car parked in

the sun, the camera body may

become deformed and this may

cause a malfunction.

• Under direct sunlight or near a

heater

The camera body may become

discolored or deformed, and this

may cause a malfunction.

• In a location subject to rocking

vibration

• Near a strong magnetic field

• In sandy or dusty places

Be careful not to let sand or dust get

into the camera. This may cause the

camera to malfunction, and in some

cases this malfunction cannot be

repaired.

• Humid places

These may cause the growth of

mold on the lens.

On storing

Be sure to attach the front lens cap

or body cap when not using the

camera. When attaching the body

cap, remove all the dust from the

cap before placing it on the camera.

When you purchase the DT 18-

55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II Lens Kit,

purchase the Rear Lens Cap ALC-

R55 also.

Care

The surface of the LCD screen has a

coating that may peel off if scratched.

Please note the following points for

handling and care.

• Grease or hand cream left on the

LCD screen by your hands may

dissolve the coating. If any grease

or cream gets on the LCD screen,

wipe it off immediately.

• Wiping forcefully with tissue paper

or other materials may damage the

coating.

• Before wiping dirt, dust the dirt or

sand off in advance using a blower,

etc.

• When wiping off dirt, wipe gently

with a soft cloth, such as a cloth for

cleaning glasses.

On operating temperatures

Your camera is designed for use in

temperatures between 0°C and 40°C

(32°F and 104°F). We do not

recommend shooting in extremely

cold or hot places that exceed this

range.

On moisture condensation

If the camera is moved directly from

a cold to a warm location, moisture

may condense inside or outside the

camera. This moisture condensation

may cause a malfunction of the

camera.

201

Precautions

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

How to prevent moisture

condensation

When moving the camera from a cold

place to a warm place, seal the

camera in a plastic bag and allow it to

adapt to conditions at the new

location for about 1 hour.

If moisture condensation occurs

Turn off the camera and wait for

about an hour for the moisture to

evaporate. Note that if you attempt to

shoot with moisture remaining inside

the lens, you will be unable to record

clear images.

On the internal rechargeable

battery

This camera has an internal

rechargeable battery for maintaining

the date and time and other settings

regardless of whether the power is on

or off, or whether the battery pack is

charged or discharged.

This rechargeable battery is

continually charged as long as you

are using the camera. However, if you

use the camera for only short periods,

it gradually discharges. If you do not

use the camera at all for about

3 months, it becomes completely

discharged. In this case, be sure to

charge this rechargeable battery

before using the camera.

However, even if this rechargeable

battery is not charged, you can still

use the camera as long as you do not

record the date and time. If the

camera resets the settings to the

defaults each time you charge the

battery, the internal rechargeable

battery may be dead. Consult your

Sony dealer or local authorized Sony

service facility.

How to charge the internal

rechargeable battery

Insert a charged battery pack in the

camera, or connect the camera to a

wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC

Adaptor (sold separately), and leave

the camera for 24 hours or more with

the power off.

Using the lenses and

accessories

We recommend that you use Sony

lenses/accessories* designed to suit

the characteristics of this camera.

Using the products of other

manufacturers may cause the camera

not to operate to its capability, or

result in accidents and malfunctions

of the camera.

* Including Konica Minolta products

Memory cards

Do not attach a label, etc. to a

memory card or a card adaptor.

Doing so may cause a malfunction.

202

Precautions

Notes on disposal or transfer

of the camera

For the protection of personal

information, perform the following

operations when you dispose of or

transfer the camera.

• [Initialize] t [Reset Default]

(page 170)

• [Face Registration] t [Delete All]

(page 119)

On recording/playback

• When you use a memory card with

this camera for the first time, we

recommend to format the card

using the camera for stable

performance of the memory card

before shooting.

Note that formatting permanently

erases all data on the memory card,

and is unrecoverable. Save

important data on a computer, etc.

• If you repeatedly record/delete

images, fragmentation of data may

occur on the memory card. Movies

may not be able to be saved or

recorded. If this happens, save your

images to a computer or other

storage location, and then format

the memory card (page 166).

• Before you record one-time events,

make a trial recording to make sure

that the camera is working

correctly.

• This camera is neither dust-proof,

splash-proof, nor water-proof.

• Do not look at the sun or a strong

light through an unattached lens or

the viewfinder. This may cause

irrecoverable damage to your eyes.

It may also cause a malfunction of

your camera.

• Do not use the camera near a place

that generates strong radio waves or

emits radiation. The camera may

not be able to record or play back

properly.

• Using the camera in sandy or dusty

place may cause malfunctions.

• If moisture condensation occurs,

remove it before using the camera

(page 201).

• Do not shake or strike the camera.

In addition to malfunctions and an

inability to record images, this may

render the memory card unusable,

or cause image data breakdown,

damage or loss.

• Clean the flash surface with a soft

cloth or similar material before use.

The heat of flash emission may

cause dirt on the flash surface to

emit smoke or burned.

• Keep the camera, supplied

accessories, etc., out of the reach of

children. A memory card, etc., may

be swallowed. If this happens,

consult a doctor immediately.

203

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Using your

camera abroad —

Power sources

You can use your camera, the battery

charger and the AC-PW10AM AC

Adaptor (sold separately) in any

country or region where the power

supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC,

50/60 Hz.

Notes

• Do not use an electronic

transformer (travel converter), as

this may cause a malfunction.

When you view images on a TV

screen, the camera and TV must use

the same TV color system. Check the

color TV system for the country or

region where you are using the

camera.

NTSC system (1080 60i)

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada,

Central America, Chile, Colombia,

Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea,

Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the

Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela,

etc.

PAL system (1080 50i)

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China,

Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong

Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy,

Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand,

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Rumania,

Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,

Turkey, United Kingdom, Viet Nam,

etc.

PAL-M system (1080 50i)

Brazil

PAL-N system (1080 50i)

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

SECAM system (1080 50i)

Bulgaria, France, Greece, Guiana,

Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine,

etc.

On TV color systems

204

AVCHD format

The AVCHD format is a high

definition digital video camera format

used to record a high definition (HD)

signal of either the 1080i

specification*

or the 720p

specification*

using efficient data

compression coding technology. The

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is

adopted to compress video data, and

the Dolby Digital or Linear PCM

system is used to compress audio

data.

The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is

capable of compressing images at

higher efficiency than that of the

conventional image compressing

format. The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264

format enables a high definition video

signal shot on a digital video camera

recorder to be recorded on 8 cm DVD

discs, hard disk drive, flash memory,

memory card, etc.

Recording and playback on

your camera

Based on the AVCHD format, your

camera records with the high

definition image quality (HD)

mentioned below.

Video signal*

1080 60i-compatible device

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 ×

1080/60i, 1920 × 1080/24p

1080 50i-compatible device

MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 ×

1080/50i, 1920 × 1080/25p

Audio signal: Dolby Digital 2ch

Recording media: Memory card

*1 1080i specification

A high definition specification that

uses 1,080 effective scanning lines

and the interlace system.

*2 720p specification

A high definition specification that

uses 720 effective scanning lines and

the progressive system.

*3 Data recorded in AVCHD format

other than the above mentioned

cannot be played on your camera.

205

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Memory cards

• Do not strike, bend or drop the

memory card.

• Do not use or store the memory

card under the following

conditions:

– Locations with high temperatures,

such as in a car parked in the sun.

– Locations exposed to direct

sunlight.

– Humid locations or locations with

corrosive substances present.

• The memory card may be hot after

it has been used for a long time. Be

careful when you handle it.

• When the access lamp is lit, do not

remove the memory card or the

battery pack, or turn off the power.

The data may be corrupted.

• Data may be damaged if you place

the memory card near strongly-

magnetized materials or use the

memory card in a static-prone or

electrically noisy environment.

• We recommend backing up

important data, such as to a hard

disk of a computer.

• When you carry or store the

memory card, put it in the case

supplied with it.

• Do not expose the memory card to

water.

• Do not touch the terminal section of

the memory card with your hand or

a metal object.

• When the write-protect switch of a

memory card is set to the LOCK

position, you cannot perform

operations such as recording or

deleting images.

• Memory cards formatted on a

computer are not guaranteed to

operate with this camera. Be sure to

format memory cards using the

camera.

• Data read/write speeds differ

depending on the combination of

memory card and equipment used.

• Do not press down hard when you

write on the memo area.

• Do not attach a label to the memory

cards themselves.

• Do not disassemble or modify the

memory cards.

• Do not leave memory cards within

the reach of small children. They

might accidentally swallow them.

The types of “Memory Stick” media

that can be used with this camera are

as follows. However, proper

operation cannot be guaranteed for all

“Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media

and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media

functions.

Notes on using memory

cards

Notes on the “Memory

Stick” media used with

the camera

206

Memory cards

“Memory Stick XC-HG Duo”

media*

“Memory Stick PRO Duo”

media*

“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”

media*

Compatible with your camera

“Memory Stick Duo” media

Not compatible with your camera

“Memory Stick” media and “Memory

Stick PRO” media

Not compatible with your camera

*1 This is equipped with the

MagicGate function. MagicGate

is a copyrighted protection

technology that uses encryption

technology. Data recording/

playback that requires MagicGate

functions cannot be performed

with this camera.

*2 Supports high-speed data transfer

using a parallel interface.

*3 When using “Memory Stick PRO

Duo” media to record movies,

only those marked with Mark2

can be used.

Notes on using “Memory Stick

Micro” media (sold

separately)

• This product is compatible with

“Memory Stick Micro” media

(“M2”). “M2” is an abbreviation for

“Memory Stick Micro” media.

• To use a “Memory Stick Micro”

media with the camera, be sure to

insert the “Memory Stick Micro”

media into an “M2” Adaptor as

large as Duo size. If you insert a

“Memory Stick Micro” media into

the camera without an “M2”

Adaptor as large as Duo size, you

might not be able to remove it from

the camera.

• Do not leave the “Memory Stick

Micro” media within the reach of

small children. They might

accidentally swallow it.

207

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

Battery pack/

Battery charger

• The charging time differs

depending on the remaining

capacity of the battery pack or

charging conditions.

• We recommend charging the

battery pack at an ambient

temperature between 10°C and

30°C (50°F and 86°F). You may

not be able to efficiently charge the

battery pack outside of this

temperature range.

• Connect the battery charger to the

nearest wall outlet (wall socket).

• Do not try to charge the battery

pack again right after it has been

charged, or when it has not been

used after being charged. Doing so

will affect the performance of the

battery pack.

• Do not charge any battery pack

other than the “InfoLITHIUM” M

series battery pack in the battery

charger (supplied) with your

camera. Batteries other than the

specified kind may leak, overheat,

or explode if you attempt to charge

them, posing a risk of injury from

electrocution and/or burns.

• When the CHARGE lamp flashes,

this may indicate a battery error or

that a battery pack other than the

specified type has been installed.

Check that the battery pack is the

specified type. If the battery pack is

the specified type, remove the

battery pack, replace it with a new

or different one and check that the

battery charger is operating

correctly. If the battery charger

operates correctly, a battery error

may have occurred.

• If the battery charger is dirty,

charging may not be performed

successfully. Clean the battery

charger with a dry cloth, etc.

• Use only an NP-FM500H battery

pack. Note that the NP-FM55H,

NP-FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be

used.

• The displayed battery level may not

be correct under certain

circumstances.

• Do not expose the battery pack to

water. The battery pack is not

water-resistant.

• Do not leave the battery pack in

extremely hot places, such as in a

car or under direct sunlight.

Notes on using the

battery pack

208

Battery pack/Battery charger

Effective use of the battery

pack

• Battery performance decreases in

low-temperature environments.

This means that the time the battery

pack can be used is shorter in cold

places and the speed of continuous

shooting slows down. We

recommend that you put the battery

pack in a pocket close to your body

to warm it up, and insert it in your

camera immediately before you

start shooting.

• The battery pack will run out

quickly if you use the flash

frequently, use continuous shooting

often, turn the camera on and off

frequently, or make the LCD screen

brighter.

Battery life

• The battery life is limited. Battery

capacity decreases little by little as

you use it more and more, and as

time passes. If the battery operating

time seems considerably shortened,

a probable cause is that the battery

pack has reached the end of its life.

Buy a new battery pack.

• The battery life varies according to

how it is stored and the operating

conditions and environment in

which each battery pack is used.

How to store the battery pack

Store the battery pack in a dry, cool

place after removing it from the

camera. Even if you do not use the

camera for an extended period of

time, charge the battery pack and

fully use it up at least once a year to

prolong the battery life.

209

Troubleshooting/Others (Advanced Operations)

License

Notes on the License

Software provided in the camera are

based on license agreements with the

by the owners of copyright of these

software applications, we have an

obligation to inform you of the

following. Please read the following

sections.

Licenses (in English) are recorded in

the internal memory of your camera.

Establish a Mass Storage connection

between the camera and a computer

to read licenses in the “PMHOME” -

“LICENSE” folder.

THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED

UNDER THE AVC PATENT

PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE

PERSONAL USE OF A

CONSUMER OR OTHER USES IN

WHICH IT DOES NOT RECEIVE

REMUNERATION TO

(i) ENCODE VIDEO IN

COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC

STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”)

AND/OR

(ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT

WAS ENCODED BY A

CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A

PERSONAL ACTIVITY AND/OR

WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO

PROVIDER LICENSED TO

PROVIDE AVC VIDEO.

NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR

SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY

OTHER USE.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

MAY BE OBTAINED FROM

MPEG LA, L.L.C.

SEE

HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM

On GNU GPL/LGPL applied

software

Software that is eligible for the

following GNU General Public

License (hereinafter referred to as

“GPL”) or GNU Lesser General

Public License (hereinafter referred

to as “LGPL”) are included in the

camera.

This informs you that you have a

right to have access to, modify, and

redistribute source code for these

software programs under the

conditions of the supplied GPL/

LGPL.

Source code is provided on the web.

Use the following URL to download

it.

http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/

We would prefer you do not contact

us about the contents of source code.

Licenses (in English) are recorded in

the internal memory of your camera.

Establish a Mass Storage connection

between the camera and a computer

to read licenses in the “PMHOME” -

“LICENSE” folder.

210

Index

A (Aperture Priority) ..................92

ADI flash ..................................124

AdobeRGB ...............................160

AE Lock....................................122

AEL ..........................................161

AEL button ...............................161

AEL w/ shutter .........................123

AF area .....................................110

AF Illuminator ..........................111

AF Track. Duration ..................102

AF-A.........................................109

AF-C .........................................109

AF-S .........................................109

Ambient light............................146

Anti-dust function.....................186

Aperture......................................92

Aperture Preview........................94

Aperture Priority.........................92

Area Setting ................................28

Aspect Ratio .............................157

Audio Recording ......................105

Audio signals ..............................61

Auto HDR.................................131

Auto Object Framing ................119

Auto Review .............................161

Auto WB...................................137

Autoflash ....................................42

Autofocus .................................106

Autofocus Mode ...................... 109

Automatic AF .......................... 109

AVCHD ................... 103, 104, 204

AVCHD View ......................... 149

Battery pack ................. 19, 21, 207

Beep sound (Audio signals)....... 61

Bracket..................................... 144

Bracket: Cont. .......................... 144

“BRAVIA” Sync ..................... 155

BULB shooting.......................... 97

Center weighted....................... 123

Charging battery pack................ 19

Cleaning................................... 185

Cleaning Mode......................... 186

Clear Image Zoom ................... 140

Cloudy (White Balance) .......... 137

Color filter (White Balance) .... 138

Color Space.............................. 160

Color temperature

(White Balance)................... 138

Compression ratio.................... 157

Computer ................... 66, 175, 177

Cont. Shooting ......................... 143

Continuous AF......................... 109

Continuous bracket .................. 144

Continuous shooting ................ 143

211

Index

Contrast.................................... 134

Control button ............................ 51

Control dial .................... 92, 94, 96

Creative Style........................... 134

CTRL FOR HDMI................... 155

Custom (White Balance).......... 138

Date Imprint............................. 184

Date/Time Setup ........................ 27

Daylight (White Balance) ........ 137

DC IN terminal .......................... 16

Default ..................................... 170

Delete ................................. 34, 153

Demo Mode ............................... 61

Digital Zoom.................... 101, 140

Diopter-adjustment .................... 29

Direct manual focus ................. 115

Disc creation .............................. 69

DISP................................... 46, 147

DISP Button(Finder).................. 78

DISP Button(Monitor) ............... 78

Display ....................................... 46

Display All Info. ........................ 46

DPOF Setup ............................. 184

D-Range Opt. ........................... 130

Drive Mode........................ 45, 143

DRO/Auto HDR ...................... 130

e-Front Curtain Shutter ............ 163

Enlarged image .......................... 48

EV scale ....................... 43, 97, 146

Exposure compensation ............. 43

Eye-Fi....................................... 168

Eyepiece cup ..............................77

Eyepiece sensor.................... 14, 77

Eye-Start AF .............................. 57

Face Detection.......................... 117

Face Registration......................118

File Format (Movie).................103

File Number ............................. 166

Fill-flash .....................................42

FINDER/LCD Setting..............164

FINE......................................... 157

Fine........................................... 157

Flash (White Balance).............. 137

Flash bracket ............................ 144

Flash Comp. ............................. 124

Flash control............................. 124

Flash Mode................... 41, 75, 126

Flash Off ........................30, 42, 85

Fluor.: Cool White

(White Balance) ................... 137

Fluor.: Day White

(White Balance) ................... 137

Fluor.: Daylight

(White Balance) ................... 137

Fluor.: Warm White

(White Balance) ................... 137

Fn ......................................... 51, 53

Focus ........................................106

Focus hold.................................. 58

212

Index

Focus Hold Button......................58

Focus indicator .........................107

Focus Magnifier........................116

Focus-lock ................................108

Folder Name .............................166

Folder View..............................149

For viewfinder (Monitor) ...........80

Format.......................................166

Func. of AEL button.................161

Function button.....................52, 53

Graphic Display..........................46

Grid Line ..................................161

Hand-held Twilight ..............38, 87

HDMI .........................................50

HDMI Resolution .....................155

HDR..........................................130

HDR Painting ...........................133

High Contrast Mono. ................133

High ISO NR ............................159

High-speed sync .......................126

Histogram ...................................79

Image Data Converter...........65, 67

Image Index ................................49

Image quality ............................157

Image sensor .....................108, 186

Image Size ..................................47

In-Camera Guide ....................... 62

Incandescent

(White Balance)................... 137

Index .......................................... 49

Initialize ................................... 170

Install ......................................... 66

Intelligent Auto.................... 30, 85

ISO Button............................... 162

ISO sensitivity ......................... 129

JPEG ........................................ 157

Landscape ............................ 38, 86

Language.................................... 61

LCD Brightness ......................... 60

LCD screen ............ 35, 71, 80, 147

Lens...................................... 18, 24

Lens Comp.: Chromatic

Aberration............................ 165

Lens Comp.: Distortion ........... 165

Lens Comp.: Peripheral

Shading................................ 165

Lens Compensation ................. 165

Live View Display..................... 80

Local (AF area)........................ 110

Lock-on AF.............................. 111

Long Exposure NR .................. 159

M (Manual Exposure)................ 96

Mac ............................................ 67

213

Index

Macro ................................... 38, 86

Manual Exposure ....................... 96

Manual focus............................ 114

Mass Storage............................ 177

Memory card...................... 21, 205

MENU........................................ 55

Menu .......................................... 55

Metering Mode ........................ 123

MF............................................ 114

Microphone jack ........................ 16

Miniature.................................. 134

Moisture condensation............. 200

MOVIE .............................. 32, 100

Movie ................................. 32, 100

Movie Audio Recording .......... 105

MOVIE Button .......................... 58

Movie File Format ................... 103

MP4.......................................... 103

MTP ......................................... 177

Multi Frame Noise Reduct....... 129

Multi interface shoe ................... 15

Multi segment .......................... 123

New Folder .............................. 167

Night Portrait ....................... 38, 87

Night Scene.......................... 38, 87

No Disp. Info. ............................ 46

Noise reduction ................ 129, 159

P (Program Auto) ....................... 91

Panorama: Direction .................. 89

Panorama: Size........................... 47

Partial Color ............................. 133

PC Remote ............................... 177

Peaking..................................... 115

Peaking Color........................... 115

Peaking Level........................... 115

Picture Effect............................ 133

Playback Display...................... 150

Playing back panoramic

images .................................. 151

PlayMemories Home............ 64, 66

Pop Color ................................. 133

Portrait..................................38, 86

Posterization............................. 133

Power Save...............................164

Power Saving Start Time ......... 164

Pre-flash TTL........................... 124

Pressing halfway down .............. 31

Preview....................................... 94

Preview Button......................... 162

Print.......................................... 184

Program Auto............................. 91

Protect ...................................... 152

Quality...................................... 157

214

Index

RAW.........................................157

RAW+J.....................................157

Rear Sync....................................42

Record Setting ..........................104

Record Setting (Movie) ............104

Recording information

display ............................46, 147

Recording movies...............32, 100

Recover Image DB ...................168

Red Eye Reduction .....................57

Reducing camera shake ..............83

Release w/o Lens......................160

Remaining battery level..............23

Remote Camera Control .............68

Reset .........................................170

Retro Photo...............................133

Rich-tone Mono........................133

Rotate........................................149

S (Shutter Priority) .....................94

S. Auto Cont. Shooting...............85

S. Auto Image Extract. ...............85

Saturation..................................134

Scene Selection.....................38, 86

SCN ............................................38

Scrolling playback....................151

Select REC Folder ....................167

Self-timer..................................144

Setting the clock .........................27

Shade (White Balance) .............137

Sharpness ................................. 134

Shooting..................................... 30

Shooting mode ........................... 36

Shooting Tip List ....................... 63

Shooting Tips............................. 62

Shot. Result Preview.................. 94

Shoulder strap ............................ 16

Shutter Priority........................... 94

Shutter speed.............................. 94

Single Bracket.......................... 144

Single Shooting........................ 143

Single-shot AF ......................... 109

Slide Show............................... 150

SLOW SYNC ............................ 42

Slow Sync. ................................. 42

Smart Zoom ............................. 140

Smile Detection Sensitivity

indicator............................... 120

Smile Shutter ........................... 120

Soft Focus ................................ 133

Soft High-key........................... 133

Software..................................... 64

Specify Printing ....................... 184

Sports Action ....................... 38, 86

Spot.......................................... 123

Spot (AF area).......................... 110

sRGB........................................ 160

Standard ................................... 157

STD.......................................... 157

SteadyShot ................................. 83

Still/Movie Select .................... 149

Strap........................................... 16

215

Index

Sunset................................... 38, 87

Superior Auto....................... 37, 85

Sweep Panorama.................. 39, 88

T8 ............................................... 40

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority

AE.................................... 40, 90

Time zone .................................. 28

Toy Camera.............................. 133

Upload Settings (Eye-Fi) ......... 168

USB.......................................... 177

USB Connection ...................... 177

USB LUN Setting .................... 177

Version..................................... 174

View Mode .............................. 149

Viewfinder ............................... 163

Viewfinder Bright. ................... 163

Viewing image................... 33, 149

Viewing images on a TV

screen............................. 50, 155

Volume Settings......................... 59

WB ........................................... 136

WB bracket .............................. 146

White Balance.......................... 136

Wide (AF area) ........................ 110

Wind Noise Reduct.................. 105

Windows .............................. 64, 67

Wireless...................................... 42

Wireless flash........................... 127

Zone (AF area) ......................... 110

Zoom .................................. 30, 140

Sony SLT-A58K Sltα58 Amount Camera With Apsc Sensor

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