Sony 3-287-969-15 -1 User Manual
Preparing the camera
Before your operation
Shooting images
Using the shooting
function
Using the viewing
function
Changing your setup
Viewing images on a
computer
Printing images
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can be
found at our Customer Support Website.
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
Instruction Manual
DSLR-A300/A350
© 2008 Sony Corporation
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located
on the bottom.
Record the serial number in the space
provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call
upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DSLR-A300/A350
Serial No. __________________________
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
2
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these
safety instructions completely before
operating the appliance, and keep this
manual for future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the
one described in the operating instructions
and adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the
type of electrical power supplied to your
home, consult your dealer or local power
company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized
ac power cord plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only
one way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to have a suitable outlet
installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension
cords or convenience receptacles beyond
their capacity, since this can result in fire or
electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended
by the manufacturer, as they may cause
hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth
lightly dampened with water for cleaning
the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near
water – for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular
attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the
point where the cord exits from the
appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or an
adult, and serious damage to the set. Use
only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for necessary ventilation. To
ensure reliable operation of the set, and to
protect it from overheating, these slots and
openings must never be blocked or
covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a
cloth or other materials.
3
– Never block the slots and openings by
placing the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space,
such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet,
unless proper ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a
radiator or heat register, or where it is
exposed to direct sunlight.
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a
lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged
or frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or
water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive
shock by being dropped, or the cabinet
has been damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are
specified in the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal
operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for
service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs
to the set, ask the service technician to
perform routine safety checks (as specified
by the manufacturer) to determine that the
set is in safe operating condition.
4
Read this first
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the specified type
only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
and Canada
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve
our environment by
returning your used
rechargeable batteries to
the collection and
recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling
of rechargeable batteries, call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://
www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Services
Center
1-800-222-SONY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSLR-A300
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics
Inc.
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSLR-A350
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics
Inc.
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
5
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
– Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used
with the equipment in order to comply with
the limits for a digital device pursuant to
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
For the State of California,
USA only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery
contains perchlorate.
6
For Customers in Europe
This product has been tested and found
compliant with the limits set out in the
EMC Directive for using connection cables
shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and
sound of this unit.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism
causes data transfer to discontinue midway
(fail), restart the application or disconnect
and connect the communication cable
(USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment (Applicable in
the European Union and other
European countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product shall
not be treated as household waste. Instead it
shall be handed over to the applicable
collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment
and human health, which could otherwise
be caused by inappropriate waste handling
of this product. The recycling of materials
will help to conserve natural resources. For
more detailed information about recycling
of this product, please contact your local
Civic Office, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the product.
Disposal of waste batteries
(applicable in the European Union
and other European countries with
separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the
packaging indicates that the battery
provided with this product shall not be
treated as household waste.
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potentially
negative consequences for the environment
and human health which could otherwise be
caused by inappropriate waste handling of
the battery. The recycling of the materials
will help to conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety,
performance or data integrity reasons
require a permanent connection with an
incorporated battery, this battery should be
replaced by qualified service staff only.
To ensure that the battery will be treated
properly, hand over the product at end-oflife to the applicable collection point for the
recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment.
For all other batteries, please view the
section on how to remove the battery from
the product safely. Hand the battery over to
the applicable collection point for the
recycling of waste batteries.
For more detailed information about
recycling of this product or battery, please
contact your local Civic Office, your
household waste disposal service or the
shop where you purchased the product.
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363
is fitted to this equipment for your safety
and convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to
be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the
supplied one and approved by ASTA or
BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an or
mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has
a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach
the fuse cover after you change the fuse.
Never use the plug without the fuse cover.
If you should lose the fuse cover, please
contact your nearest Sony service station.
Notice for the customers in
the countries applying EU
Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony
Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku
Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized
Representative for EMC and product safety
is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger
Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For
any service or guarantee matters please
refer to the addresses given in separate
service or guarantee documents.
7
Notes on using your camera
Shooting procedure
• This camera has two modes for shooting:
the Live view mode using the LCD
monitor, and the viewfinder mode using
the viewfinder (OVF).
• There may be differences between an
image recorded in Live view mode and
an image recorded in viewfinder mode,
such as exposure, white balance, or Drange optimizer, depending on the
method used of metering or the exposure
mode.
• In Live view mode, the recorded image
may be different from the image you
monitored with the LCD monitor. The
difference becomes larger in the
following or other cases:
– When firing the flash.
– When shooting a low-intensity subject,
such as night scenery.
– When the difference of the intensity of
a subject is too large.
– When attaching a Circular PL Filter.
No compensation for contents of the
recording
The contents of the recording cannot be
compensated for if recording or playback is
not possible due to a malfunction of your
camera or a memory card, etc.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss,
always copy (back up) data to other
medium.
Notes on the LCD monitor and lens
• The LCD monitor is 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
monitor. These points are normal in the
manufacturing process and do not affect
the images in any way.
To deal with such issues that may appear
in Live view mode, you may reduce the
• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of
• Do not expose the camera to direct
• Images may trail across on the LCD
• Do not press against the LCD monitor.
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
copyright laws.
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.
effect by using the “Pixel mapping”
function (page 154).
Black, white, red,
blue and green
points
the LCD monitor.
sunlight. If sunlight is focused on a
nearby object, it may cause a fire. When
you must place the camera under direct
sunlight, attach the lens cap.
monitor in a cold location. This is not a
malfunction. When turning on the camera
in a cold location, the LCD monitor may
become temporarily dark. When the
camera warms up, the monitor will
function normally.
The monitor may be discolored and that
may cause a malfunction.
8
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ........................................ 3
Read this first ..................................................................... 5
Notes on using your camera .............................................. 8
Preparing the
camera
Before your
operation
Shooting images
Checking the accessories supplied .................................. 13
Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 14
Attaching a lens ............................................................... 19
Inserting a memory card .................................................. 21
Preparing the camera ....................................................... 25
Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 27
Checking the number of recordable images .................... 29
Cleaning ........................................................................... 31
Identifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 34
Front side .................................................................... 34
Rear side ..................................................................... 35
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 37
LCD monitor .............................................................. 38
Selecting a function/setting ............................................. 40
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button ... 42
The functions selected by the (Drive) button
............................................................................ 42
Functions selected by the MENU button ................... 42
Shooting an image without camera shake ....................... 44
Correct posture ........................................................... 44
Using the Super SteadyShot function ........................ 46
Using a tripod ............................................................. 47
/ Shooting with the automatic setting............... 48
Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene
Selection) .................................................................... 50
Taking portrait photos .......................................... 50
Taking landscape photos ...................................... 51
Taking small-subject photos ................................ 52
Taking moving-subject photos ............................. 53
Taking sunset photos ........................................... 54
Taking night view photos .................................... 55
9
Using the
shooting function
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 56
Shooting with program auto .................................. 57
Shooting by controlling the blur of the background
(Aperture priority) ............................................. 59
Shooting a moving subject with various expressions
(Shutter speed priority) ..................................... 61
Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually
(Manual exposure) ............................................ 63
Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) .......... 65
Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF) ............................... 67
Switching to the viewfinder ....................................... 67
Adjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)
............................................................................ 68
LCD monitor (Recording information display) ......... 69
Viewfinder .................................................................. 71
Selecting the focus method .............................................. 72
Using autofocus .......................................................... 72
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)
............................................................................ 73
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the
subject (Autofocus mode) ................................. 74
Selecting the focus area (AF area) ............................. 75
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus) ........... 75
Zooming in in one step .................................................... 77
Using the flash ................................................................. 79
Selecting the flash mode ............................................ 81
Performing wireless flash shooting ............................ 81
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash
compensation, Metering) ............................................ 83
Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock) ................ 83
Using brightness compensation for the entire image
(Exposure compensation) .................................. 85
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 88
Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of
flash light (Flash control) .................................. 88
10
Using the viewing
function
Changing your
setup
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a
subject (Metering mode) ................................... 89
Setting ISO ...................................................................... 90
Adjusting the color tones (White balance) ...................... 91
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source
(Auto/Preset white balance) .............................. 91
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color
Temperature/Color filter) .................................. 92
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) .. 93
Image processing ............................................................. 95
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range
Optimizer) ......................................................... 95
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
............................................................................ 95
Selecting the drive mode .................................... 97
Shooting single shot ................................................... 97
Shooting continuously ................................................ 97
Using the self-timer .................................................... 98
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure
bracket) .............................................................. 98
Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)
.......................................................................... 100
Playing back images ...................................................... 101
Checking the information of recorded images .............. 106
Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 109
Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 110
Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 112
Setting image size and image quality ............................ 114
Setting the method for recording on a memory card ..... 116
Changing the noise reduction setting ............................ 118
Changing the conditions under which the shutter can be
released...................................................................... 119
Changing the functions of the button and dial .............. 120
Changing other settings ................................................. 121
Setting the LCD monitor ............................................... 122
Resetting to the default .................................................. 124
11
Viewing images
on a computer
Printing images
Others
Copying images to your computer ................................ 127
Viewing images on your computer ................................ 131
Using the software ......................................................... 135
Specifying DPOF ........................................................... 141
Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge
compliant printer ...................................................... 143
Specifications ................................................................ 147
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 151
Warning messages ......................................................... 161
Precautions .................................................................... 163
Index .............................................................................. 165
12
Preparing the camera
Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
• BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/
Power cord (mains lead) (1)
• Rechargeable battery pack NPFM500H (1)
• USB cable (1)
• Video cable (1)
• Shoulder strap (1)
• Eyepiece cover (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• CD-ROM (Application Software
for α camera) (1)
• Quick Start Guide (1)
• Instruction Manual (This manual)
(1)
Preparing the camera
13
Preparing the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NPFM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).
Charging the battery pack
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged even when it has not
been fully depleted.
It can also be used when it has not been fully charged.
1 Insert the battery pack on the
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
2 Connect the power cord (mains
lead).
Light on: Charging
Light off: Normal charge completed
One hour after the lamp is turned off: Full
charge completed
CHARGE lamp
To a wall outlet
(wall socket)
About charging time
• Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a
temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as follows.
Full charge Normal charge
Approx. 235 min. Approx. 175 min.
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the
battery back or charging conditions.
14
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of
between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently
charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range.
Notes
• Connect the battery charger to an easily accessible wall outlet (wall socket) close by.
• Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the
AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If
some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power
by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).
• When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall
outlet (wall socket), and remove the battery pack from the battery charger. If you
leave the charged battery pack on the charger, battery life may be decreased.
• 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 burns.
• When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery
pack other than the specified type have 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 new one or another one and check if the battery charger operates
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 dry cloth, etc.
To use your camera abroad — Power sources
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-VQ900AM
AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied) in any country or region where the
power supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially
available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the
wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
Preparing the camera
Note
• Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a
malfunction.
15
Inserting the charged battery pack
1 While sliding the battery cover
open lever, open the battery
cover.
2 Firmly insert the battery pack all
the way while pressing the lock
lever with the tip of the battery.
3 Close the battery cover.
To remove the battery pack
Turn off the camera and slide the lock
lever in the direction of the arrow. Be
careful not to drop the battery pack.
Lock lever
16
Lock lever
To remove the battery cover
The battery cover can be removed to
attach a vertical grip (not supplied).
To remove the cover, push the lever in
the direction of the arrow and slide it out.
To attach the cover, put the knob in the
hole, pull down the lever, and slide it in.
To check the remaining battery level
Set the POWER switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor. The
level is indicated with the percent figures, in addition to the following
indicators.
“Battery
Battery level
High Low
exhausted”
You cannot shoot
any more pictures.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has
functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with
your camera. Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack, the remaining
battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the operating
conditions of your camera.
Notes
• The displayed 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.
Preparing the camera
Available battery packs
Use only an NP-FM500H battery pack. Note that the NP-FM55H, NPFM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used.
17
Effective use of the battery pack
• Battery performance decreases in low temperature surroundings. So, the
time that the battery pack can be used is shorter in cold places. We
recommend the following to ensure longer battery pack use: 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.
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 shortened considerably, 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
If the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, fully charge it and then
fully use it up once a year on your camera before storing the battery pack in
a dry, cool place to prolong the battery life.
18
Attaching a lens
1 Remove the body cap from the
camera and the rear cap from the
lens.
Rear cap
2 Mount the lens by aligning the
orange index marks on the lens
and camera.
3 Turn the lens clockwise until it
clicks into the locked position.
Notes
• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.
• Do not use force when attaching a lens.
Preparing the camera
Body cap
Orange index marks
Lens hood
Using a lens hood is recommended to prevent unnecessary light from
affecting your images. For attaching, refer to the operating instructions
supplied with the lens.
19
To remove the lens
1 Press the lens release button all
the way in and turn the lens
counterclockwise until it stops.
• When changing the lens, quickly
change the lens away from dusty
locations so as to keep dust from
getting inside the camera.
Lens release button
2 Replace the cap on the lens and
attach the body cap to the
camera.
• Before you attach the cap, remove dust
from the cap.
Note on changing the lens
When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands
on the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may
appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment.
The camera is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust from
landing on the image sensor. However, quickly change the lens away from
dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens.
If dust or debris lands on the image sensor
Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning mode] in the Setup menu
(page 32).
20
Inserting a memory card
You can use a CompactFlash card (CF card), Microdrive, or “Memory
Stick Duo” as a memory card.
1 Open the memory card cover.
2 Insert a memory card (not
supplied) from the terminal side
(the terminal side has a number
of small holes) with its label side
facing toward the LCD monitor.
• For a “Memory Stick Duo” (not
supplied), insert it in a Memory Stick
Duo Adaptor for CompactFlash slot
(not supplied), then insert the adaptor in
the camera.
3 Close the memory card cover.
Preparing the camera
Face side with a label
Face side with a label
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To remove the memory card
Check that the access lamp is not lit, then
open the memory card cover, push down
the memory card eject lever. After the
card is ejected a little, pull out the
memory card.
Access lamp
Memory card eject
lever
Notes on using memory cards
• The memory card may be hot just after it has been used for a long time.
Be careful when you handle it.
• When the access lamp is lit, do not remove the memory card or the
battery pack, or turn off the power. The data may be corrupted.
• Data may be damaged if you place the memory card near stronglymagnetized material or use the memory card in a static-prone or
electrically noisy environment.
• We recommend backing up important data, such as to a hard disk of a
computer.
• When you carry or store the memory card, put it in the case supplied with
it.
• Do not expose the memory card to water.
• Do not touch the terminal section of the memory card with your hand or a
metal object.
On the CF card/Microdrive
• Be sure to format the CF card/Microdrive using this camera when you use
it for the first time.
• Do not remove the label of a CF card/Microdrive or attach a new label
over the label.
• Do not press on the label strongly.
Notes on use of the Microdrive
A Microdrive is a compact and lightweight hard disk drive that complies with
CompactFlash Type II.
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• The Microdrive is a compact hard disk drive. Since the Microdrive is a rotating disk,
the Microdrive is not strong enough to resist vibration and shock compared to a
memory card.
Be sure not to transmit vibration or shock to the Microdrive during playback or
shooting.
• Note that the use of the Microdrive under 5°C (41°F) may bring performance
degradation.
Operating temperature range when using the Microdrive: 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F)
• Note that the Microdrive cannot be used under low atmospheric pressure (above
3 000 meters above sea-level).
• Do not write on the label.
On the “Memory Stick”
• “Memory Stick”: You cannot use the
“Memory Stick” with your camera.
• “Memory Stick Duo”: You can use the
“Memory Stick Duo” with your camera
by inserting it in a Memory Stick Duo
Adaptor for CompactFlash slot (not
supplied).
• “Memory Stick PRO Duo” or “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” with a
capacity up to 8 GB have been confirmed to operate properly with this
camera.
• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted with a computer is not guaranteed to
operate with this camera.
• Data read/write speeds differ depending on the combination of the
“Memory Stick Duo” and the equipment used.
Notes on using a “Memory Stick Duo”
• Do not press down hard when you write down on the memo area.
• Do not attach a label on the “Memory Stick Duo” itself.
• Do not strike, bend or drop the “Memory Stick Duo.”
• Do not disassemble or modify the “Memory Stick Duo.”
• Do not leave the “Memory Stick Duo” within the reach of small children. They
might accidentally swallow it.
Preparing the camera
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• Do not use or store the “Memory Stick Duo” under the following conditions:
– High temperature locations such as the hot interior of a car parked in direct
sunlight.
– Locations exposed to direct sunlight.
– Humid locations or locations with corrosive substances present.
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Preparing the camera
Setting up the date
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen
appears.
1 Set the POWER switch to ON to
turn the camera on.
• To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.
2 Verify that [OK] is selected on the
LCD monitor, then press the
center of the controller.
3 Select each item with b/B and
set the numeric value with v/V.
Preparing the camera
25
4 Repeat step 3 to set other items, then press the center of the
controller.
• When changing the sequence of [YYYY/MM/DD], first select [YYYY/
MM/DD] with b/B, then change it with v/V.
5 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of the
controller.
To cancel the date/time setting operation
Press the MENU button.
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Using the accessories supplied
This section describes how to use the shoulder strap and the eyepiece cover.
The other accessories are described in the following pages.
• Rechargeable battery pack (page 14)
• Battery charger, Power cord (mains lead) (page 14)
• Eyecup (page 68)
• USB cable (pages 128, 144)
• Video cable (page 112)
•CD-ROM (page136)
Attaching the shoulder strap
Preparing the camera
Attach the both ends of the strap on
Eyepiece cover
the camera.
• You can also attach the eyepiece cover
(below) on the strap.
Using the eyepiece cover
You can prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting
the exposure. When the shutter is released without the use of the
viewfinder, as in shooting with the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover.
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1 Tilt the LCD monitor downward.
2 Carefully slide the eyecup off by
pushing on each side of the
eyecup.
• Insert your fingers under the eyecup,
and slide it upward.
3 Slide the eyepiece cover over the
viewfinder.
Note
• The eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated depending on
the situation, and the focus may be adjusted or the LCD monitor may continue to
flash. In such cases, set [Eye-Start AF] (page 67) and [Auto off w/ VF] (page 123) to
[Off].
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Checking the number of recordable images
Once you insert a memory card into the
camera and set the POWER switch to
ON, the number of images that can be
recorded (should you continue to shoot
using the current settings) is displayed on
the LCD monitor.
Notes
• If “0” is flashing in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with
another one, or delete images in the current memory card (pages 21, 110).
• When “----” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, it means no
memory card is inserted. Insert a memory card.
The number of images that can be recorded on a memory
card
The table shows the approximate number of images that can be recorded on
a memory card formatted with this camera. The values may vary depending
on the shooting conditions.
The number of recordable images (Units: Images)
Image size: L 14M (DSLR-A350)/L 10M (DSLR-A300)
Aspect ratio: 3:2*
DSLR-A350
Size
Standard 275 552 1106 2206
Fine 197 396 795 1585
RAW & JPEG 36 73 147 295
RAW 44 90 181 363
Capacity
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB
Preparing the camera
29
DSLR-A300
Size
Standard 325 653 1307 2606
Fine 241 484 969 1933
RAW & JPEG 48 98 198 397
RAW 61 124 250 500
* When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more images than the numbers
Capacity
shown in the table above. However, if it is set to [RAW], the number is the same as
that of the [3:2] aspect ratio.
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB
The number of images that can be recorded using a battery
pack
The approximate number of images that can be recorded is as follows when
you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at full capacity.
Note that the actual numbers may be less than those indicated depending on
the conditions of use.
DSLR-A350 DSLR-A300
Live view mode Approx. 410 images Approx. 410 images
Viewfinder mode Approx. 730 images Approx. 730 images
• The number is calculated with a battery pack at full capacity and in the
following situation:
– At an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F).
– [Quality] is set to [Fine].
– Focus mode is set to (Automatic AF).
– Shooting once every 30 seconds.
– The flash strobes once every two times.
– The power turns on and off once every ten times.
• The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard.
(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)
• When using a Microdrive, the number of images recordable may differ.
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