Sony Alpha 900 User Guide

Preparing the camera

Before your operation

Shooting images

Using the shooting function

Using the viewing function

Using the menu

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-A900

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-A900 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.

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.

– 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.

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.

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.

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

For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet.

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.

Caution

Incorrect use of the battery pack risks explosion, fire, or chemical burn. Comply with the following precautions.

• 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 140°F (60°C) 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 with Sony battery charger or the device that can charge the battery.

• 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 promptly according to the instructions.

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-A900 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.

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.

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. Applicable Accessories: Remote Commander

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.

Notes on using your camera

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.

Black, white, red, blue and green points

• Do not expose the camera to direct 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.

• 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.

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.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.......................................... 3

Read this first ..................................................................... 5

Notes on using your camera .............................................. 9

Preparing the camera

Before your operation

Shooting images

Using the shooting function

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

Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 14

Attaching a lens ............................................................... 21

Inserting a memory card .................................................. 23

Preparing the camera ....................................................... 27

Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 29

Checking the number of recordable images .................... 33

Cleaning ........................................................................... 35

Identifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 38

Front side .................................................................... 38

Rear side ..................................................................... 39

Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 40

LCD monitor (Recording information display) ......... 41

Display panel .............................................................. 44

Viewfinder .................................................................. 45

Selecting a function/setting ............................................. 47

Selecting the functions on the Quick Navi screen ..... 48

Shooting with the automatic setting .................... 49

Exposure mode ................................................................ 51

Shooting with Program auto .................................. 51

Shooting with Aperture priority ............................ 53

Shooting with Shutter speed priority ...................... 54

Shooting with Manual exposure ............................ 55

Shooting with BULB ............................................. 56

Selecting the focus method .............................................. 58

Selecting the focus mode (Auto focus) ...................... 58

Selecting the focus area .............................................. 60

Shooting with focus-lock ........................................... 61

AF illuminator ............................................................ 62

Shooting with Manual focus ...................................... 62

Shooting with Direct manual focus ............................ 63

Switching the AF/MF easily ...................................... 64

Using the viewing function

Using a flash (not supplied) ............................................. 65

Selecting the flash mode ............................................ 66

Shooting with Slow Sync ........................................... 67

Shooting with High Speed Sync (HSS) ..................... 67

Using a flash equipped with a flash sync terminal cord

............................................................................ 68

Adjusting the brightness of the image (Metering, Exposure,

Flash compensation) ................................................... 69

Selecting the Metering mode ..................................... 69

Compensating the exposure ....................................... 70

Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock) ................ 71

Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)

............................................................................ 73

Setting ISO ...................................................................... 74

Adjusting the color tones (White balance) ...................... 75

Auto/Preset white balance .......................................... 75

Setting the color temperature and a filter effect ......... 76

Custom white balance ................................................ 77

Image processing ............................................................. 79

Using the D-Range Optimizer .................................... 79

Using the Creative Style ............................................. 80

Selecting the drive mode ................................................. 83

Shooting single shot ................................................... 83

Shooting continuously ................................................ 84

Using the self-timer .................................................... 85

Shooting with Exposure bracket ................................ 85

Shooting with the white balance bracket

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

Shooting with the DRO advanced bracket ................. 87

Shooting with the mirror lockup function .................. 87

Shooting with the Remote Commander ..................... 88

Using the preview function ............................................. 89

Registering your own settings ......................................... 91

Playing back images ........................................................ 92

Checking the information of recorded images ................ 97

Deleting images (Delete) ................................................. 99

Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 101

Using the menu

Viewing images on a computer

Printing images

Others

Menu function list .......................................................... 105

Recording menu 1 ................................................... 107

Recording menu 2 ................................................... 110

Recording menu 3 ................................................... 112

Recording menu 4 ................................................... 114

Custom menu 1 ......................................................... 116

Custom menu 2 ......................................................... 118

Custom menu 3 ......................................................... 121

Playback menu 1 ..................................................... 123

Playback menu 2 ..................................................... 126

Setup menu 1 ............................................................ 127

Setup menu 2 ............................................................ 129

Setup menu 3 ............................................................ 131

Setup menu 4 ............................................................ 134

Copying images to your computer ................................ 137

Viewing images on your computer ................................ 141

Using the software ......................................................... 145

Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge

compliant printer ...................................................... 152

Specifications ................................................................ 157

Troubleshooting ............................................................. 160

Warning messages ......................................................... 167

Precautions .................................................................... 170

Index .............................................................................. 172

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)

• Wireless Remote Commander (Remote Commander) (1)

• Remote Commander clip (1)

• USB cable (1)

• Video cable (1)

• Shoulder strap (1)

Preparing the camera

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

• Accessory shoe cap (1) (Attached on the camera)

• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the camera)

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

• Instruction Ma nual (This manual) (1)

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.

• 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 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-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.

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