The License ................................................................... 205
Index .............................................................................. 206
8
Basic operations
This section provides the basic information on
operating the camera. To more effectively take
advantage of the camera, see “Advanced
operations” (page 76).
9
Notes on using your camera
Shooting procedure
• This camera has 2 modes for monitoring
subjects: the LCD screen mode using the
LCD screen, and the viewfinder mode
using the viewfinder.
• The recorded image may be different
from the image you monitored before
recording.
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 among 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
6 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 screen, electronic
viewfinder, lens, and image sensor
• The LCD screen and electronic
viewfinder are manufactured using
extremely high-precision technology so
over 99.99% of the pixels are operational
for effective use. However, there may be
some tiny black points and/or bright
points (white, red, blue or green in color)
that constantly appear on the LCD screen
and electronic viewfinder. These points
are normal in the manufacturing process
and do not affect the images in any way.
• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of
the LCD screen.
• Do not expose the camera to sunlight or
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 screen in a
cold location. This is not a malfunction.
When turning on the camera in a cold
location, the screen may become
temporarily dark. When the camera
warms up, the screen will function
normally.
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
10
temperature of the camera drops before
continuing to shoot.
• The surface of the camera may get warm.
This is not a malfunction.
Notes on importing AVCHD movies to
a computer
When importing AVCHD movies to a
computer, for Windows computers, use the
“PlayMemories Home” software on the
CD-ROM (supplied).
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.
Notes on using your camera
On the data specifications described
in this manual
The data on performance and specifications
is defined under the following conditions,
except as described in this manual: at an
ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC
(77°F), and using a battery pack that is
charged for about 1 hour after the
CHARGE lamp goes out.
Model name
This manual covers several models
supplied with different lenses.
The model name varies depending on the
supplied lens. The available model varies
depending on the countries/regions.
Model nameLens
SLT-A37–
SLT-A37KDT18-55mm
SLT-A37MDT18-135mm
SLT-A37YDT18-55mm and
DT55-200mm
11
Preparing the camera
Checking the supplied items
First check the model name of your camera (page 11). The accessories
supplied differ depending on the model.
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
Common accessories
• Camera (1)
• BC-VW1 Battery charger (1)
• Power cord (mains lead) (1)* (not
supplied in the U.S.A. and
Canada)
* Multiple power cords may be supplied
with your camera. Use the appropriate
one that matches your country/region.
• Rechargeable battery pack NPFW50 (1)
• USB cable (1)
• Shoulder strap (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the
camera)
•CD-ROM (1)
– Application Software for α
camera
– α Handbook (This manual)
• Instruction Manual (1)
SLT-A37K
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)
SLT-A37M
• DT18-135mm zoom lens (1)/
Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap
(1)/Lens hood (1)
SLT-A37Y
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)
• DT55-200mm zoom lens (1)/
Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap
(1)/Lens hood (1)
12
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.
Front side
Preparing the camera
A Shutter button (31)
B Power switch (27)
C Control dial (92, 94, 96)
D Self-timer lamp (141)
E Lens contacts*
F Mirror*
G Preview button (94, 159)
H Mount
I Built-in flash* (41, 124)
J Microphone** (104)
K Mode dial (37)
L (Flash pop-up) button (41,
124)
M Mounting index (24)
N Lens release button (25)
O Focus mode switch (106, 113)
* Do not directly touch these
parts.
** Do not cover this part
during movie recording.
Doing so may cause noise
or lower the volume.
13
Rear side
Identifying parts
A Eyecup (77)
B Viewfinder*
• When you look into the
viewfinder, the viewfinder
mode is activated, and when
you take your face away from
the viewfinder, the screen mode
returns to the LCD screen
mode.
C Eyepiece sensors (77)
D Diopter-adjustment dial (29)
E LCD screen (71, 81, 144)
F Access lamp (22)
G For shooting: Fn (Function)
button (53, 54)
For viewing: (Image
rotation) button (146)
H Control button
v/V/b/B/DISP (Display) (46,
14
144)/WB (White balance)
(133)/ (Drive) (45, 140)/
ISO (126)
I Control button (Enter)/AF
button (110)/Object Tracking
button (111)
J (In-Camera Guide) button
(63)
For viewing: (Delete) button
(35)
K (Playback) button (34)
* Do not directly touch this
part.
Top side
Identifying parts
Preparing the camera
A Auto-lock Accessory shoe
(124)
B MENU button (56)
C Microphone*
D FINDER/LCD button (161)
E Speaker
F Image sensor position
mark (108)
G ZOOM button (137)
H For shooting: AEL (AE lock)
button (121, 158)
For viewing: (Zoom in)
button (49)
I For shooting: (Exposure)
button (43)/AV (Aperture
value) button (96)
For viewing: (Zoom out)
button (49)/ (Image index)
button (50)
J MOVIE button (33, 100)
* Do not cover this part
during movie recording.
Doing so may cause noise
or lower the volume.
15
Sides/Bottom
Identifying parts
A REMOTE terminal
• When connecting the RML1AM 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.
B Hooks for shoulder strap
• Attach both ends of the strap
onto the camera.
16
C HDMI mini terminal (51, 152)
D (USB) terminal (172)
E Microphone 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 Tripod receptacle
• Use a tripod with a screw length
of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
You will be unable to firmly
secure the camera to tripods
with a screw length of 5.5 mm
(7/32 inch) or longer, and
attempting to do so may
damage the camera.
G Memory card insertion slot (21)
H Battery/memory card cover
(21)
I Connection plate cover
• For using the AC-PW20 AC
Adaptor (sold separately)
Be careful not to catch the cord
of the AC Adaptor in the cover
when you close the cover.
Identifying parts
Preparing the camera
17
Lens
DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
(Supplied with the SLT-A37K/A37Y)
DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM
(Supplied with the SLT-A37Y)
DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
(Supplied with the SLT-A37M)
Identifying parts
Focusing ring
A
B Zoom ring
C Focal-length scale
D Focal-length index
E Lens contacts
F Focusing mode switch
G Mounting index
H Lens hood index
I Zoom lock switch
• The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
SAM/DT 55-200mm F4-5.6
SAM/DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6
SAM are designed for Sony Amount cameras (models equipped
with an APS-C sized image
sensor). You cannot use these
lenses on 35mm-format cameras.
• For the lenses other than DT 1855mm F3.5-5.6 SAM/DT 55200mm F4-5.6 SAM/DT 18135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM, refer to
the operating instructions
supplied with the lens.
18
Charging the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FW50
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).
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.
The battery pack is discharged little by little, even when you do not use it.
To avoid missing an opportunity to shoot, check the remaining battery level
before you shoot. If the battery level is low, charge it again.
Insert the battery pack onto
1
the battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
Preparing the camera
19
Charging the battery pack
Connect the battery charger
2
to the wall outlet (wall
For the U.S.A and Canada
Plug
socket).
Light on: Charging
Light off: Charge completed
Charging time About 250 minutes
• When charging a fully depleted
battery pack at a temperature of 25°C
(77°F).
• The CHARGE lamp turns off when
charging is completed.
Notes
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery pack or
charging conditions.
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between
10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery
pack outside of this temperature range.
• Connect the battery charger to the nearest wall outlet (wall socket).
For countries/regions other than the
U.S.A. and Canada
To a wall outlet
(wall socket)
CHARGE lamp
CHARGE lamp
20
Inserting the battery pack/memory
card (sold separately)
While sliding the cover open
1
lever, open the cover.
Firmly insert the battery pack
2
all the way while pressing
the lock lever with the tip of
the battery.
Lock lever
Insert a memory card.
3
• With the notched corner facing as
illustrated, insert the memory card
until it clicks into place.
Preparing the camera
Close the cover.
4
Ensure the notched corner faces
correctly.
21
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)
To remove the battery pack
Turn off the camera. Slide the lock lever
in the direction of the arrow 10 seconds
after turning off the camera, then remove
the battery pack. Be careful not to drop
the battery pack.
Lock lever
To remove the memory card
Check that the access lamp is not lit, then open the cover, and push the
memory card once.
To check the remaining battery level
The supplied battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions
for exchanging information related to operating conditions with your
camera. The remaining battery time in percent figures is displayed
according to the operating conditions of your camera.
“Battery
Battery level
High Low
exhausted.”
You cannot shoot
any more pictures.
Available memory cards
The following memory cards are compatible with this camera. However, all
memory cards are not guaranteed to work with this camera.
Types of memory card
Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2)
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
SD memory card
SDHC memory card (Class 4 or faster)
SDXC memory card (Class 4 or faster)
• MultiMediaCard cannot be used.
Still
MoviesIn this manual
images
(Class 4 or faster)
Memory Stick
PRO Duo
SD card
22
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)
Note
• Images recorded on an SDXC memory card cannot be imported to or played on
computers or AV devices that are not compatible with exFAT. Make sure that the
device is compatible with exFAT before connecting it to the camera. If you connect
your camera to an incompatible device, you may be prompted to format the card.
Never format the card in response to this prompt, as doing so will erase all data on
the card. (exFAT is the file system used on SDXC memory cards.)
Preparing the camera
23
Attaching a lens
Remove the body cap from
1
Front lens cap
the camera and the
packaging lid from the rear
of the lens.
• When changing the lens, quickly
change the lens away from dusty
locations so as to keep dust or debris
from getting inside the camera.
• When shooting, remove the front lens
cap from the front of the lens.
Mount the lens by aligning
2
Packaging lid
Body cap
the orange index marks
(mounting indexes) on the
lens and camera.
Orange index marks
Turn the lens clockwise until
3
it clicks into the locked
position.
• Be sure to put the lens on straight.
Notes
• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.
• Do not use force when attaching a lens.
• E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera.
• When you use a lens for which a tripod socket is provided, attach the lens onto the
tripod using the tripod socket provided to help balance the weight of the lens.
• When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the lens
firmly.
24
Attaching a lens
• Do not hold the part of the lens that is extended for the zoom or focus adjustment.
To remove the lens
Press the lens release button
1
all the way in and turn the
lens counterclockwise until it
stops.
Lens release button
Attach the caps to the front
2
and rear of the lens and the
body cap to the camera.
• Before you attach them, remove dust
from them.
• A rear lens cap is not supplied with
the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens
Kit. When you store the lens without
attaching it to the camera, purchase
the Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55.
To attach a lens hood
It is recommended that you use a lens
hood to reduce flare and ensure
maximum image quality.
Fit the hood into the mount on the end of
the lens barrel and rotate the hood
clockwise until it clicks.
Preparing the camera
Notes
• A lens hood is not included with the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM. You can use the
ALC-SH108 (sold separately).
• The lens hood may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the
flash.
25
Attaching a lens
• When storing, turn over the lens hood and place it onto the lens backwards.
Note on changing the lens
When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and
adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it
may appear as dark spots 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.
26
Turning the camera on and setting the
clock
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen
appears.
Set the power switch to ON to
1
turn the camera on.
The screen used for setting date and
time appears.
• To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.
Verify that [Enter] is selected
2
on the LCD screen, then
press the center of the
control button.
Select your area with b/B on the control button, then
3
press the center of the control button.
Select each item with b/B
4
and set the numeric value
with v/V.
[Daylight Svg.:]: Turns on or off the
daylight saving time setting.
[Date Format:]: Selects the format to
display date.
• Midnight is indicated as 12:00 AM,
and noon as 12:00 PM.
Preparing the camera
27
Turning the camera on and setting the clock
Repeat step 4 to set other items, then press the center
5
of the control button.
Verify that [Enter] is selected, then press the center of
6
the control button.
To cancel the date/time setting operation
Press the MENU button.
To set up the date/time again
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen
appears automatically. The next time, set up the date and time from the
menu.
MENU button t 1 t [Date/Time Setup]
To set up the area again
You can set the area where you are using the camera. This allows you to set
the local area when you use the camera abroad.
MENU button t 1 t [Area Setting]
Maintaining the date and time setting
This camera has an internal rechargeable battery for maintaining the date
and time and other settings regardless of whether the power is on or off, or
the battery is installed or not (page 195).
28
Before shooting
Adjusting the viewfinder to the visual acuity (diopter
adjustment)
Adjust the diopter-adjustment
dial to your eyesight until the
display appears clearly in the
viewfinder.
• If you cannot see the entire screen in
the viewfinder, you can change the
scale of the viewfinder screen
(page 58).
Note
• The dioptic adjustment attachment (sold separately) cannot be used with this camera.
Holding the camera properly
Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the
camera from moving.
In LCD screen modeIn viewfinder modeIn viewfinder mode
(vertical position)
Preparing the camera
Point 1
One hand holds the grip of the camera, and the other hand supports the lens.
Point
2
Take a secure stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.
29
Before shooting
Point 3
Lightly tuck your elbows against your body.
When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing
your elbow on your knee.
30
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