Sony Alpha 560 User Guide

Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

Preparing the camera

Before your operation

Shooting images

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

Instruction Manual

A-mount

Using the shooting function

Using the viewing function

Changing your setup

Viewing images on a computer

Printing images

Others

Index

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-A580/A560 Serial No. __________________________

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment plug adaptor of the proper configuration for the power outlet.

Caution

Battery pack

If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions.

• Do not disassemble.

• Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it.

• Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals.

• Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.

• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.

• Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.

• Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack.

• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children.

• Keep the battery pack dry.

• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony.

• Dispose of used battery pack promptly described the instructions.

Battery charger

Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).

The supplied power cord can be used only with this charger. The power cord cannot be used with other devices.

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.

UL is an internationally recognized safety organization. The UL Mark on the product means it has been UL Listed.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Services Center

1-800-222-SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DSLR-A580 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-A560 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address:16530 Via Esprillo,

San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

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.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

For Customers in Europe

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.

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. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury or

0.004% lead. 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.

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 or focus check Live View mode, the recorded image may be different from the image you monitored with the LCD monitor.

Notes on the functions available with the camera

• To check whether it is a 1080 60icompatible device or 1080 50icompatible device, check for the following marks on the bottom of the camera. 1080 60i-compatible device:60i 1080 50i-compatible device:50i

• You may feel uncomfortable symptoms such as eyestrain, nausea, or a tired feeling while watching 3D-images recorded with the camera on 3Dcompatible monitors. When you watch 3D-images, we recommend that you take a break at regular time intervals. Since the need for or frequency of break times varies between individuals, please set your own standards. If you feel sick, stop watching 3D-images, and consult a doctor as needed. Also, refer to the operating instructions of the connected device or the software used with the camera. A child’s vision is always vulnerable (especially for children under six years of age). Before allowing them to watch 3D-images, please consult with an expert, such as a pediatric or ophthalmic doctor. Be sure to make sure your children follow the precautions above.

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

• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of

• Do not expose the camera to sunlight or

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 effect by using the “Pixel mapping” function (page 182).

Black, white, red, blue and green points

the LCD monitor.

shoot sunward for a long time. The internal mechanism may be damaged. If sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire.

• Images may trail across on the LCD monitor in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. When turning on the camera in a cold location, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the monitor will function normally.

• Do not press against the LCD monitor. The monitor may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction.

Notes on long-time recording

• When you continue to shoot for a long time, the temperature of the camera rises. If the temperature reaches above a certain level, the mark is indicated on the screen and the camera is turned off automatically. 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. It is recommended that you wait until the temperature of the camera drops before continuing to shoot.

• The surface of the camera may get hot. This is not a malfunction.

Notes when playing movies on other devices

• This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 High Profile for AVCHD format recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD format with this camera cannot be played with the following devices. – Other devices compatible with

AVCHD format that does 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 with this camera cannot be played on devices other than those that support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.

• Discs recorded with 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 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.

On the data specifications described in this Instruction Manual

The data on performance and specifications is defined under the following conditions, except as described in this Instruction Manual: at an ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC (77°F), and using a battery pack that is charged for about an hour after the CHARGE lamp goes out.

Notes on using your camera .............................................. 7

Preparing the camera

Before your operation

Shooting images

Checking the accessories supplied .................................. 13

Identifying parts .............................................................. 14

Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 18

Attaching a lens ............................................................... 25

Inserting a memory card .................................................. 27

Preparing the camera ....................................................... 31

Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 33

Checking the number of recordable images .................... 35

Cleaning ........................................................................... 37

Switching between the LCD monitor and viewfinder (OVF)

..................................................................................... 40

Adjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)

............................................................................ 40

The status of the screen in Live View mode ................... 42

Switching the status of the LCD monitor ................... 42

Recording information display ................................... 43

The status of the screen in viewfinder (OVF) mode ....... 45

Switching the status of the LCD monitor ................... 45

Recording information display on the LCD monitor

............................................................................ 46

Viewfinder .................................................................. 48

Selecting a function/setting ............................................. 49

Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button ... 50 The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button ... 51

The functions selected by the MENU button ............. 52

Shooting an image without camera shake ....................... 58

Correct posture ........................................................... 58

Using the SteadyShot function ................................... 59

Using a tripod ............................................................. 60

Shooting with the automatic setting ................. 61

Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject ............... 63

Shooting with preset settings according to the scene

(Scene Selection) ............................................... 63

Shooting panoramic images (Sweep Panorama)

............................................................................ 66

Using the shooting function

Shooting 3D-panoramic images (3D Sweep

Panorama) ......................................................... 69

Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)

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

Shooting with program auto .................................. 71

Shooting by controlling the blur of the background

(Aperture priority) ............................................. 72

Shooting a moving subject with various expressions

(Shutter speed priority) ..................................... 75

Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually

(Manual exposure) ............................................ 77

Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) .......... 79

Recording movies ............................................................ 81

Available recording time for a movie ........................ 83

Notes on continuous movie recording ........................ 84

Selecting the focus method .............................................. 85

Using autofocus .......................................................... 85

Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)

............................................................................ 87

Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the

subject (Autofocus Mode) ................................. 88

Selecting the focus area (AF area) ............................. 89

Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus) ........... 90

Composing your shot using the image sensor (Focus

check Live View) .............................................. 91

Checking the focus by enlarging the image ............... 93

Detecting faces ................................................................ 95

Using the Face Detection function ............................. 95

Capturing smiling faces (Smile Shutter) .................... 96

Using the flash ................................................................. 98

Performing wireless flash shooting .......................... 101

Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash

compensation, Metering) .......................................... 102

Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock) .............. 102

Using brightness compensation for the entire image

(Exposure compensation) ................................ 103

Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash

Compensation) ................................................ 105

Using the viewing function

Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of

flash light (Flash control) ................................ 106

Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a

subject (Metering Mode) ................................. 107

Setting ISO .................................................................... 108

Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically

(D-Range) ................................................................. 109

Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range

Optimizer) ....................................................... 109

Compensating automatically with rich gradation (Auto

High Dynamic Range) .................................... 110

Image processing ........................................................... 112

Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)

.......................................................................... 112

Changing the range of color reproduction (Color Space)

.......................................................................... 113

Adjusting the color tones (White balance) .................... 114

Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source

(Auto/Preset white balance) ............................ 114

Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color

Temperature/Color Filter) ............................... 115

Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) 116

Selecting the drive mode .................................. 118

Shooting single shot ................................................. 118

Shooting continuously .............................................. 118

Using the self-timer .................................................. 119

Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure

bracket) ............................................................ 120

Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)

.......................................................................... 122

Shooting with the Wireless Remote Commander .... 122

Playing back images ...................................................... 123

Checking the information of recorded images .............. 129

Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 133

Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 134

Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 136

Changing your setup

Viewing images on a computer

Printing images Others

Setting image size and image quality ............................ 140

Setting the method for recording on a memory card ..... 144

Changing the noise reduction setting ............................ 148

Changing the function of the buttons ............................ 149

Changing other settings ................................................. 150

Setting the LCD monitor ............................................... 152

Confirming the version of the camera ........................... 154

Resetting to the default .................................................. 155

Using with your computer ............................................. 158

Using the software ......................................................... 160

Connecting the camera to the computer ........................ 164

Creating a movie disc .................................................... 167

Specifying DPOF ........................................................... 171

Specifications ................................................................ 173

Troubleshooting ............................................................. 178

Warning messages ......................................................... 187

Precautions .................................................................... 190

AVCHD format ............................................................. 193

3D-shootings .................................................................. 194

Index .............................................................................. 195

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)

• Shoulder strap (1)

• Eyepiece cover (1)

• Body cap (1) (Attached on the camera)

• Instruction Manual (This manual) (1)

Preparing the camera

• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the camera)

• CD-ROM (Application Software for α camera) (1)

Identifying parts

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.

Front side

A Shutter button (61)

B Power switch (31)

C Control dial (73)

D Self-timer lamp (119)

E Remote sensor

F Lens contacts*

G Mirror*

H Preview button (74)

I Mount

J Built-in flash* (98)

K Mode dial (61 – 80)

L (Flash pop-up) button (98)

M Lens release button (26)

N Focus mode switch (85, 90)

* Do not directly touch these

parts.

Rear side

Preparing the camera

A Diopter-adjustment dial (40)

B Microphone**

C Auto-lock Accessory shoe

(101)

D Viewfinder* (40)

E Eyepiece sensors (41)

F MENU button (52)

G DISP (Display) button (42, 45,

123)

H MOVIE button (81)

I For shooting: (Exposure)

button (103) For viewing: (Zoom out) button (126)/ (Image index) button (127)

J LCD monitor (42, 123, 129)

• You can adjust the angle of the LCD monitor to meet various shooting situations.

K Light sensor (152)

L (Playback) button (123)

M LIVE VIEW/OVF switch (40)

N FOCUS CHECK LV (Live

View) button (91, 93)

O D-RANGE (Dynamic range)

button (109)

P (Drive) button (118)

Q ISO button (108)

R Image sensor position

mark (87)

S For shooting: AEL (AE lock)

button (78, 102)/Focus Magnifier button (93, 149) For viewing: (Zoom in) button (126)

T For shooting: Fn (Function)

button (50, 51) For viewing: (Image rotation) button (125)

U Access lamp (28)

V Controller (v/V/b/B button)

(49)

W Controller (Enter) (49)/AF

button (89)

X (Delete) button (134)

* Do not directly touch these

parts.

** Do not cover this part

during movie recording.

Sides/Bottom

Preparing the camera

A HDMI terminal (136)

B (USB) terminal (164)

C Speaker

D REMOTE terminal

• When connecting the RMS1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (sold separately) to the camera, insert the plug of the Remote Commander into the REMOTE terminal, aligning the guide of the plug with the guide of the REMOTE terminal. Make sure that the cord of the Remote Commander faces forward.

E MIC (PLUG IN POWER) jack

• When an external microphone is connected, the internal microphone is turned off automatically. When the external microphone is a plugin-power type, the power of the microphone is supplied by the camera.

F Hooks for shoulder strap (33)

G DC IN terminal

• When connecting the ACPW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately) to the camera, turn the camera off, then plug the connector of the AC Adaptor to the DC IN terminal on the camera.

H Memory card switch

I SD memory card insertion slot

(27)

J “Memory Stick PRO Duo”

media insertion slot (27)

K Memory card cover

L Battery cover (22)

M 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 having screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and may damage the camera.

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: Charge completed

• The CHARGE lamp turns off when charging is finished.

• Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack at a temperature of 25°C (77°F) is about 175 minutes.

Notes

• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery back 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).

• 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.

CHARGE lamp

To a wall outlet (wall socket)

• 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 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 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-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.

Note

• Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a malfunction.

Preparing the camera

Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.

A Type

(American

Type)

B Type (British

Type)

BF Type

(British

Type)

B3 Type

(British

Type)

C Type

(CEE Type)

SE Type

(CEE Type)

O Type (Ocean

Type)

The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used. Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used.

-For only the United States Use a UL Listed, 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft.), Type SPT-2 or NISPT-2, AWG no. 18 power supply cord, rated for 125 V 7 A, with a non-polarized NEMA 1-15P plug rated for 125 V 15 A.”

Europe