Sony SLT-A37 User Manual

4-420-745-11(1)

Interchangeable Lens
Digital Camera

α Handbook

A-mount

Preparing the camera

Shooting and viewing
images

Shooting images to suit
your subject

Using the shooting
functions

Using the playback
functions

Functions list

Viewing images on a
computer

Others

Advanced operations

Index

SLT-A37

©2012 Sony Corporation

Table of Contents

Basic

operations ................................................................. 9

This section provides basic information on operating the camera.

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

Preparing the camera

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

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

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

Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)

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

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

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

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

Adjusting the viewfinder to the visual acuity (diopter

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

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

Shooting and viewing images

Shooting still images ....................................................... 31

Recording movies ............................................................ 33

Playing back images ........................................................ 34

Deleting images (Delete) .................................................35

Shooting images to suit your subject

Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen ........................... 36

Shooting with the various shooting modes ...................... 37

Superior Auto ..................................................38

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

Sweep Panorama/ 3D Sweep Panorama....... 39

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

Using the shooting functions

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

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

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

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

2

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

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

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

Using the playback functions

Enlarging images ............................................................. 49

Switching to the display of the image list ....................... 50

Viewing images on a TV screen ...................................... 51

Functions list

Functions that can be operated with the buttons/switch

..................................................................................... 52

Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button ......... 53

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

..................................................................................... 54

The functions selected with the MENU button ............... 56

Using the guide function of the camera ........................... 63

In-Camera Guide ........................................................ 63

Shooting Tip ............................................................... 63

Viewing images on a computer

Using with your computer ............................................... 64

Using the software ...........................................................66

Selecting the method for creating a disc of movies ......... 69

Others

List of icons on the screen ............................................... 71

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

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

Advanced

operations ............................................................... 76

This section provides further information on the camera.

Preparation

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

Removing the eyecup ................................................. 77

The screen displayed for shooting mode ......................... 78

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

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

3

Shooting

Monitoring the subject through the lens without effects

displayed ........................................................... 79

List of icons for viewfinder mode .............................. 81

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweep Panorama/ 3D Sweep Panorama....... 88

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recording movies with the shutter speed and aperture

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

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

Record Setting .......................................................... 103

Audio Recording ...................................................... 104

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

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

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

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

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

The AF illuminator ...................................................110

Object Tracking ........................................................ 111

Manual focus ............................................................ 113

Peaking .....................................................................114

Focus Magnifier ....................................................... 114

4

Detecting faces .............................................................. 116

Face Detection .......................................................... 116

Face Registration ...................................................... 117

Auto Port. Framing ................................................... 118

Smile Shutter ............................................................ 119

Adjusting the brightness of the image ........................... 121

AE Lock ................................................................... 121

Metering Mode ......................................................... 122

Flash Comp. ............................................................. 122

Flash control ............................................................. 123

The flash ........................................................................ 124

Wireless flash ........................................................... 124

Setting ISO .................................................................... 126

Multi frame noise reduction ..................................... 126

Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically

(D-Range) ................................................................. 127

D-RangeOptimizer ................................................... 127

Auto HDR ................................................................ 128

Setting the image processing ......................................... 130

Picture Effect ............................................................ 130

Creative Style ........................................................... 131

Adjusting the color tones (White balance) .................... 133

The fine adjustment screen for color ........................ 134

Color Temp./Color Filter ......................................... 135

Custom white balance .............................................. 135

Magnifies images with higher scale than the optical zoom

(ZOOM) ................................................................... 137

Selecting the drive mode .................................. 140

Shooting single shot ................................................. 140

Cont. Shooting .......................................................... 140

Self-timer .................................................................. 141

Bracket: Cont./Single Bracket .................................. 141

WB bracket ............................................................... 143

5

Playback

Setup of the camera

The screen displayed for playback mode ...................... 144

Switching the screen during playback ...................... 144

List of icons on the histogram display .....................144

Using the playback functions ........................................146

Rotating an image ....................................................146

View Mode ...............................................................146

Slide Show ...............................................................147

Playback Display ......................................................147

Scrolling panoramic images .....................................148

Protecting images (Protect) ...........................................149

Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 150

Delete (Multiple Img.) ............................................. 150

Deleting all the images or movies in the same view mode

..........................................................................151

About playback on TV .................................................. 152

3D Viewing ..............................................................152

Using “BRAVIA” Sync ........................................... 152

Setting the aspect ratio and image quality .....................154

Aspect Ratio ............................................................. 154

Quality ...................................................................... 154

Setting the other functions of the camera ...................... 156

Long Exposure NR ................................................... 156

High ISO NR ............................................................ 156

Color Space .............................................................. 157

Release w/o Lens ...................................................... 157

Grid Line ..................................................................158

Auto Review ............................................................. 158

Func. of AEL button ................................................ 158

Preview Button ......................................................... 159

Electronic Front Curtain Shutter .............................. 160

Viewfinder Bright. ...................................................160

Eco Mode .................................................................160

Power Save ............................................................... 161

FINDER/LCD Setting .............................................. 161

6

Computer

Print

Cleaning

Lens compensation ........................................................ 162

Lens Comp.: Peripheral Shading .............................. 162

Lens Comp.: Chromatic Aberration ......................... 162

Lens Comp.: Distortion ............................................ 162

Setting the method for recording on a memory card ..... 163

Format ...................................................................... 163

File Number ............................................................. 163

Folder Name ............................................................. 163

Select REC Folder .................................................... 164

New Folder ............................................................... 164

Recover Image DB ................................................... 165

Upload Settings ........................................................ 165

Resetting to the default .................................................. 167

Confirming the version of the camera ........................... 171

Connecting the camera to the computer ........................ 172

Setting the USB connection .....................................172

Connecting to the computer ..................................... 172

Importing images to the computer (Windows) ........ 173

Importing images to the computer (Mac) ................. 174

Deleting the USB connection ................................... 175

Creating a movie disc .................................................... 176

Creating a high definition image quality (HD) disc

(AVCHD recording disc) ................................ 176

Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc

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

Discs you can use with “PlayMemories Home” ...... 178

Specifying DPOF .......................................................... 179

Date Imprint ............................................................. 179

Cleaning the camera and a lens ..................................... 180

Cleaning the image sensor ............................................. 181

7

Trouble shooting/Others

Troubleshooting .............................................................184

Warning messages ......................................................... 193

Precautions ....................................................................195

To use your camera abroad — Power sources .............. 198

AVCHD format ............................................................. 199

3D-shootings .................................................................. 200

Memory card ................................................................. 201

Battery pack/Battery charger ......................................... 203

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 name Lens

SLT-A37 –

SLT-A37K DT18-55mm

SLT-A37M DT18-135mm

SLT-A37Y DT18-55mm 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

Movies In 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 mode In viewfinder mode In 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

Shooting and viewing images

Shooting still images

The “Intelligent Auto” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under
any conditions because the camera makes appropriate judgments on the
situation to adjust the settings.
Select when shooting in a location where the use of a flash is restricted.

Set the mode dial to or

1

(Flash Off).

Hold the camera, monitoring your shot with the LCD

2

screen or viewfinder.

Overlay the AF area on the

3

desired subject.

• If the (Camera shake
warning) indicator flashes, carefully
shoot the subject, holding the camera
steady, or by using a tripod.

• When the camera recognizes the
scene, the Scene Recognition icon
appears on the screen and suitable
settings for that scene will be put into
effect.

or

Shooting and viewing images

(Camera shake

warning) indicator

AF area

When using a zoom lens,

4

turn the zoom ring, then
decide on your shot.

Zoom ring

31

Press the shutter button

5

halfway down to focus.

When the focus is confirmed, z or

(Focus indicator) lights up

(page 107).

Press the shutter button fully

6

down to shoot.

• When the camera detects and
shoots a face with [Auto Port.
Framing] set to [Auto], the
captured image is automatically
trimmed into a suitable
composition. Both the original and
the trimmed images are saved
(page 118).

Shooting still images

Focus indicator

32

Recording movies

Press the MOVIE button to

1

MOVIE button

start recording.

• Movie recording can be started from
any exposure mode.

• The shutter speed and aperture are
adjusted automatically. If you want to
set them to particular values, set the
mode dial to (Movie) (page 102).

• The camera continues to adjust the
focus when it is in autofocus mode.

Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.

2

Notes

• The sound of the camera and the lens in operation may be recorded while recording a
movie. You can disable sound recording by setting [Audio Recording] to [Off]
(page 104).

• The continuous recording time of a movie may be shorter, depending on the ambient
temperature or the status of the camera. See “Notes on continuous movie recording.”

• When the mark is indicated, the temperature of the camera is too high. Turn the
camera off and wait until the temperature of the camera drops (page 194).

Shooting and viewing images

33

Playing back images

Press the button.

1

button

MENU button t 1 t [View Mode] t Select the

2

desired mode

• To play back still images, select [Folder View(Still)], and to play back
movies, select [Folder View(MP4)] or [AVCHD View] according to the
file format.

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

3

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

During movie playback Control button/control dial operation

To pause/resume z

To fast-forward B

To fast-rewind b

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

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

To adjust sound volume V t v/V

To display the information v

Note

• Movies recorded with other devices may not be played back on this camera.

pause

pause

• The movie is played back frame-by­frame.

34

Deleting images (Delete)

Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether to
delete the image or not beforehand.

Note

• Protected images cannot be deleted.

Deleting the image that is currently displayed

Display the image you want

1

to delete and press the
button.

Select [Delete] with v on the control button, then press

2

the center of the control button.

button

Shooting and viewing images

35

Shooting images to suit your subject

Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen

Adjust the LCD screen to an easily
viewable angle.

36

Shooting with the various shooting modes

Set the mode dial to the desired
mode.

The following shooting modes are provided with the camera:

(Intelligent
Auto)/ (Flash Off)
(31, 85)

(Superior

Auto) (38, 85)

(Scene

Selection) (38, 86)

(Sweep

Panorama) (39, 88)

(3D Sweep
Panorama) (39, 88)

(Tele-zoom
Cont. Priority AE)
(40, 90)

(Movie) (33,

100)

(Program Auto)

(91)

(Aperture

Priority) (92)

(Shutter Priority)

(94)

(Manual

Exposure) (96)

The “Intelligent Auto” mode allows you to easily shoot any
subject under any conditions because the camera makes
appropriate judgments on the situation to adjust the settings.
Select “Flash Off” when you want to shoot without the flash.

The camera recognizes and evaluates the shooting condition,
and appropriate settings are set automatically. The camera
saves 1 appropriate image by combining or separating
images, as necessary.

Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting
conditions allows you to shoot the image with a suitable
setting for the subject.

Allows you to shoot panoramic images.

Allows you to shoot 3D panoramic images for playback on a
3D compatible TV.

The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is
pressed fully down. The center area on the screen is cropped
and the camera records the images continuously at a
maximum of about 7 images per second.

Allows you to shoot movies with the exposure adjusted
manually (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).

Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically
(both the shutter speed and the aperture value). The other
settings can be adjusted manually.

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value
manually using the control dial.

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed
manually using the control dial.

Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure manually
(both the shutter speed and the aperture value) using the
control dial.

Shooting images to suit your subject

37

Shooting with the various shooting modes

Superior Auto

1 Set the mode dial to (Superior Auto).

2 Point the camera towards the

Recognized scene mode mark

subject.

When the camera recognizes and adjusts
for shooting conditions, the following
information is indicated: recognized
scene mode mark, appropriate shooting
function, the number of images to be
shot.

Shooting function

Number of images to be shot

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

Scene recognized by the camera

(Night Scene) (Hand-held Twilight) (Landscape)

(Backlight Portrait) (Portrait) (Tripod Night Scene)

(Backlight) (Macro) (Night Portrait)

(Spotlight) (Low Brightness) (Baby)

Shooting function

Cont. Shooting (140) Slow Sync. (41, 124) Auto HDR (128)

Daylight Sync. Slow Shutter Hand-held Twilight (38,

86)

Scene Selection

1 Set the mode dial to (Scene Selection).

38

Shooting with the various shooting modes

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

control button.

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

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

(Portrait) Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens the subject. Expresses

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

(Macro) Shoots close subjects such as flowers, foods.

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

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

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

(Hand-held

Twilight)

(Night Portrait) Shoots portraits in night scenes.

skin tones softly.

subject looks as if it is standing still. The camera shoots
images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.

colors.

atmosphere of the surroundings.

Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a
tripod. A burst of shots are taken, and image processing is
applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake, and noise.

Sweep Panorama/ 3D Sweep Panorama

1 Set the mode dial to (Sweep Panorama)/ (3D Sweep

Panorama).

Shooting images to suit your subject

39

Shooting with the various shooting modes

2 Point the camera at the edge of

the subject, then press the shutter
button halfway down to adjust the
focus.

This part will not be taken

3 Press the shutter button fully down.

4 Pan or tilt the camera to the end,

following the guidance on the
screen.

Guidance bar

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE

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

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subjects.

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

• The center area on the screen is cropped and the camera records the images
continuously at a maximum of about 7 images per second.

• The minimum zoom scale of the camera is set to 1.4 times and the image
size can be set to M or S.

40

Using the shooting functions

Using the flash

In a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly,
and it also helps to prevent camera shake. When shooting into the sun, you
can use the flash to shoot a bright image of the backlit subject.

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

• For further information on the flash modes available for each shooting
mode, see page 75.

2 Press the button.

The flash pops up.

• In Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto or
Scene Selection mode, the flash
automatically pops up if the amount of
light is insufficient or the subject is
backlit. The built-in flash does not pop
up even if you press the button.

3 After the flash has finished

charging, shoot the subject.

Flashing: The flash is being charged.
When the indicator flashes, you cannot
release the shutter.

Lit: The flash has been charged and
is ready to fire.

• When you press the shutter button

halfway down under dark lighting in
autofocus mode, the flash may be fired
to help focus on a subject (AF
Illuminator).

button

Using the shooting functions

(Flash charging) indicator

41

Using the flash

(Flash Off) Does not fire even the built-in flash pops up.

(Autoflash) Fires if it is dark or against light.

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

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

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

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

• You cannot select this item when the mode dial is set to P,
A, S, or M. However, the flash will not be fired if it is not
pulled up.

allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the
background by slowing the shutter speed.

trigger the shutter.

and away from it (Wireless flash shooting).

42

Adjusting the brightness of the image

Except for exposure mode M, the exposure is automatically selected
(Automatic exposure).
Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, you can
perform exposure compensation. You can make the entire image brighter
by shifting to the + side. The entire image becomes darker when you shift it
to the – side (Exposure compensation).

1 Press the button.

2 Adjust the exposure with the

control dial.

Toward + (over): Brightens an image.
Toward – (under): Darkens an image.

• In viewfinder mode, confirm the
exposure using the EV scale.

The LCD screen after the

exposure is adjusted.

Compensated exposure

The screen in the viewfinder

button

Standard exposure

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

Shooting techniques

• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.

• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure
shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 141).

43

Using the shooting functions

Adjusting the brightness of the image

Note

• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Intelligent Auto, Superior
Auto, or Scene Selection.

44

Selecting the drive mode

You can use an appropriate drive mode to suit your purposes, such as
single-shot advanced, continuous advanced, or bracket.

on the control button t

Select the desired mode

(Single

Shooting) (140)

(Cont. Shooting)

(140)

(Self-timer) (141) The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the

(Bracket:

Cont.) (141)

(Single

Bracket) (141)

(WB

bracket) (143)

This mode is for normal shooting.

The camera records the images continuously.

photographer appears in a photo and the 2-second self-timer
is convenient to reduce the camera shake.

You can shoot 3 images, each with different degrees of
exposure.

You can shoot 3 images, shot by shot, each with different
degrees of exposure.

Based on the selected white balance, and the color
temperature/color filter, 3 images are recorded with the white
balance shifted.

Using the shooting functions

45

Switching the recording information display (DISP)

Each time you press DISP on the control
button, the recording information display
changes as follows.
You can select the available displays in
the viewfinder or on the LCD screen
separately.

No Disp. Info.Display All Info.Graphic Display

Graphic Display

The Graphic Display shows the shutter
speed and aperture value as graphs, and
clearly illustrates how the exposure
works. The pointers on the shutter speed
indicator and aperture indicator indicate
the current value.

Aperture value

Shutter speed

46

Setting image size

Image Size

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

[Aspect Ratio]: [3:2]

Image size Usage guidelines

L:16M 4912 × 3264 pixels For prints up to A3+ size

M:8.4M 3568 × 2368 pixels For prints up to A4 size

S:4.0M 2448 × 1624 pixels For prints up to L/2L size

[Aspect Ratio]: [16:9]

Image size Usage guidelines

L:14M 4912 × 2760 pixels For viewing on a high-definition

M:7.1M 3568 × 2000 pixels

S:3.4M 2448 × 1376 pixels

Note

• When you select a RAW image with [Quality], the image size of the RAW image
corresponds to L. This size is not displayed on the screen.

Panorama: Size

You can set the image size of panoramic images. The image size varies
depending on the setting of the shooting direction (page 90).

MENU button t 1 t [Panorama: Size] or [3D Pan.: Image
Size] t Select the desired size

TV

Using the shooting functions

[Panorama: Size]

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

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

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

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

47

[3D Pan.: Image Size]

16:9 1920 × 1080

Standard 4912 × 1080

Wide 7152 × 1080

Setting image size

48

Using the playback functions

Enlarging images

A still image can be enlarged for closer examination. This is convenient to
check the focus condition of a recorded image.

1 Display the image you want to

enlarge, then press the button.

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

• Rotating the control dial switches the image at the same display
magnification. When you shoot multiple images with the same
composition, you can compare their focus conditions.

button

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

control button.

To cancel the enlarged playback

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

49

Using the playback functions

Switching to the display of the image list

You can display multiple images on the screen simultaneously.

Press the button.

The image index screen is displayed.

• You can select the number of images
displayed on one page of the image
index screen using [Image Index] in the

Playback menu.

To return to the single-image screen

Press the center of the control button when you select the desired image.

To display the desired folder

Select the left bar on the image index
screen with the control button, then select
the desired folder with v/V. Pressing the
center of the control button when the left
bar is selected switches the view mode.

button

50

Viewing images on a TV screen

To view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI cable (sold
separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector are required.

1 Turn off both your camera and the

TV, and connect the camera to the

1 To the HDMI

connector

TV.

HDMI cable
(sold separately)

2 To the

HDMI mini terminal

2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.

• See also the operating instructions supplied with the TV.

3 Turn on the camera, and press the

button.

Images shot with the camera appear on
the TV screen.
Select the desired image with b/B on the
control button.

• The LCD screen on the camera does
not turned on.

Using the playback functions

button

Control button

51

Functions list

Functions that can be operated with the buttons/switch

You can set up or operate various functions with these buttons/switch.
For the location of the buttons/switch, see “Identifying parts” (page 13).

button (41, 124) Pops the flash up.

button (43)/AV button
(96)/ button (50)/
button (49)

FINDER/LCD button (161) Switches the display between the LCD screen and the

MENU button (56) Displays the menu screen for setting up the menu item.

MOVIE button (33, 100) Records movies.

AEL button (121)/
button (49)

ZOOM button (137) Magnifies and shoots the subject using the zoom feature

Fn button (53, 54)/
button (146)

Control button Sets up the following functions: Display (46, 78, 144),

button (34) Plays back images.

button (63)/ button

(35)

Focus mode switch (106,

113)

Preview button (94) Checks blurring of the background.

Compensates the exposure./Sets up the aperture value./
Displays multiple images on the screen simultaneously./
Scales down an image that has been scaled up when
viewing images.

viewfinder.

Fixes the exposure of the entire screen./Scales an image
up when viewing images.

of the camera (ZOOM).

Displays the setup screen of the function that is set using
the Fn button./Rotates images.

White Balance (133), Drive mode (45, 140), ISO (126),
and Autofocus (106).

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

Switches the autofocus and manual focus.

52

Selecting a function with the Fn

(Function) button

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

shooting.

1 Press the Fn button.

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

then press the center z to execute.

The setup screen appears.

3 Following the operation guide,

select and execute the desired
function.

Operation guide

To set up the camera directly from the recording information screen

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

up the camera directly from the recording information screen.

Functions list

53

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

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

Scene Selection (38,

86)

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

Drive Mode (45, 140) Sets the drive mode such as continuous shooting.

Flash Mode (41, 124) Sets the flash mode.

Autofocus Mode
(109)

AF area (110) Selects the area of focus.

Object Tracking (111) Keeps the focus on a subject while tracking it.

Smile/Face Detect.
(116, 119)

Auto Port. Framing
(118)

ISO (126) Sets the sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the faster

Metering Mode (122) Selects the method for measuring brightness.

Flash Comp. (122) Adjusts the intensity of flash output.

Selects an appropriate mode from among the Scene Selection
preset settings to suit shooting conditions.
(Portrait/Sports Action/Macro/Landscape/Sunset/Night
Scene/Hand-held Twilight/Night Portrait)

and records movies.
(P/A/S/M)

(Single Shooting/Cont. Shooting/Self-timer/Bracket: Cont./
Single Bracket/WB bracket)

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

Selects the method for focusing according to movement of
the subject.
(Single-shot AF/Automatic AF/Continuous AF)

(Wide/Zone/Spot/Local)

(On/Off)

Automatically captures people’s face(s) with the optimal
focus and exposure./Shoots when a smile is detected.
(Face Detection Off/Face Detection On (Regist. Faces)/Face
Detection On/Smile Shutter)

Analyzes the scene when capturing face and automatically
saves another image with well-balanced composition.
(Auto/Off)

the shutter speed.
(Multi Frame Noise Reduct./ISO AUTO to 16000)

(Multi segment/Center weighted/Spot)

(+2.0EV to –2.0EV)

54

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

White Balance (133) Adjusts the color tone of images.

DRO/Auto HDR (127) Compensates for the brightness and contrast automatically.

Creative Style (131) Selects your desired image processing.

Picture Effect (130) Shoots with the desired effect filter to achieve more

(Auto WB/Daylight/Shade/Cloudy/Incandescent/Fluor.:
Warm White/Fluor.: Cool White/Fluor.: Day White/Fluor.:
Daylight/Flash/C.Temp./Filter/Custom)

(Off/D-RangeOptimizer/Auto HDR)

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

impressive expression.
(Off/Toy Camera/Pop Color/Posterization/Retro Photo/Soft
High-key/Partial Color/High Contrast Mono./Soft Focus/
HDR Painting/Rich-tone Mono./Miniature)

Functions list

55

The functions selected with the MENU button

You can set up the basic settings for the camera as a whole or execute
functions such as shooting, playback, or other operations.
Press the MENU button, then set up the desired item with v/V/b/B on the
control button, then press the center of the control button.

Select a page of the menu Select an item on the menu

Still shooting menu

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

Aspect Ratio (154) Selects the aspect ratio for still images.

Quality (154) Sets the image quality for still images.

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

Panorama: Direction
(90)

3D Pan.: Image Size
(47)

3D Pan.: Direction
(90)

Clear Image Zoom
(137)

(L:16M/M:8.4M/S:4.0M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to 3:2)
L:14M/M:7.1M/S:3.4M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to 16:9))

(3:2/16:9)

(RAW/RAW & JPEG/Fine/Standard)

(Standard/Wide)

Sets the shooting direction for panoramic images.
(Right/Left/Up/Down)

Selects the size of 3D-images.
(16:9/Standard/Wide)

Sets the shooting direction for 3D-images.
(Right/Left)

Zooms an image with higher quality than Digital Zoom.
(On/Off)

56

The functions selected with the MENU button

Digital Zoom (101,

137)

Long Exposure NR
(156)

High ISO NR (156) Sets noise reduction processing for high-sensitivity shooting.

Flash control (123) Sets the method for determining the intensity of flash output.

AF Illuminator (110) Sets the AF illuminator, which sheds light on a dark scene to

Color Space (157) Changes the range of reproducible colors.

SteadyShot (83) Sets SteadyShot.

Shooting Tip List (63) Allows you to access all shooting tips.

Zooms an image with higher magnification than Clear Image
Zoom. This feature can be also available in movie recording.
(On/Off)

Sets noise reduction processing for shots in which shutter
speed will be 1 second or longer.
(On/Off)

(High/Normal/Low)

(ADI flash/Pre-flash TTL)

aid focusing.
(Auto/Off)

(sRGB/AdobeRGB)

(On/Off)

Movie shooting menu

File Format (103) Selects the movie file format.

Record Setting (103) Selects the size of the recorded movie frame.

Audio Recording
(104)

Wind Noise Reduct.
(105)

SteadyShot (83) Sets SteadyShot.

(AVCHD/MP4)

(60i 24M(FX)/50i 24M(FX)/60i 17M(FH)/50i 17M(FH)/24p
24M(FX)/25p 24M(FX)/24p 17M(FH)/25p 17M(FH)/
1440×1080 12M/VGA 3M)

Sets whether or not to record audio when shooting a movie.
(On/Off)

Reduces wind noise during movie recording.
(On/Off)

(On/Off)

Functions list

57

Custom menu

The functions selected with the MENU button

Eye-Start AF Sets whether or not to use auto focus when you look through

FINDER/LCD Setting
(161)

Viewfinder Magnifi. Changes the screen size in the viewfinder. If you cannot see

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

Release w/o Lens
(157)

S. Auto Cont.
Shooting (85)

S. Auto Image
Extract. (85)

Grid Line (158) Sets a grid line display to enable alignment to a structural

Auto Review (158) Displays the captured image after shooting. Sets auto review.

DISP Button(Monitor)
(78)

DISP Button(Finder)
(78)

the viewfinder.
(On/Off)

Sets the method for switching between the viewfinder and
LCD screen.
(Auto/Manual)

the entire screen in the viewfinder, set it to [Standard].
(Maximum/Standard)

(On/Off)

Sets whether shutter can open when lens is not attached.
(Enable/Disable)

Sets whether or not to shoot continuously in Superior Auto
mode.
(Auto/Off)

Sets whether or not to save all the images that were shot
continuously in Superior Auto mode.
(Auto/Off)

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

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

Allows you to select the available screen display modes of
the LCD screen that can be selected by pressing DISP on the
control button.
(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./
Histogram/For viewfinder)

Allows you to select the available screen display modes of
the viewfinder that can be selected by pressing DISP on the
control button.
(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./
Histogram)

58

The functions selected with the MENU button

Peaking Level (114) Enhances the outline of in-focus ranges with a specific color

Peaking Color (114) Sets the color used for the peaking function.

Live View Display
(79)

Func. of AEL button
(158)

Preview Button (159) Assigns the desired function to the preview button.

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

MOVIE Button Selects the appropriate mode for the MOVIE button.

in manual focus mode.
(High/Mid/Low/Off)

(Red/Yellow/White)

Sets whether or not to display the effect of a function on the
screen, such as the effect of the exposure compensation
value.
(Setting Effect ON/Setting Effect OFF)

Assigns the desired function to the AEL button.
(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/
AF area/Face Detection/Smile Shutter/A uto Port. Framing/
ISO/Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto
HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL
hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Object
Tracking/AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/
Zoom/Focus Magnifier)

(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/
AF area/Face Detection/Smile Shutter/A uto Port. Framing/
ISO/Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto
HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL
hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Object
Tracking/AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/
Zoom/Focus Magnifier)

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

(Always/Movie Mode Only)

Functions list

Lens Comp.: Shading
(162)

Lens Comp.: Chro.
Aber. (162)

Compensates for the shaded corners of the screen caused by
the lens attached.
(Auto/Off)

Reduces the color deviation at the corners of the screen
caused by the lens attached.
(Auto/Off)

59

The functions selected with the MENU button

Lens Comp.:
Distortion (162)

Front Curtain Shutter
(160)

Face Registration
(117)

Face Priority
Tracking (112)

Compensates for distortion on the screen caused by the lens
attached.
(Auto/Off)

Sets whether or not to use the electronic front curtain shutter
function.
(On/Off)

Registers or changes the person to be given priority in the
focus.
(New Registration/Order Exchanging/Delete/Delete All)

Sets whether to preferentially-track a certain face or not when
the camera detects that face during object tracking.
(On/Off)

Playback menu

Delete (35, 150) Deletes images.

View Mode (146) Allows you to determine how to group the playback images.

Slide Show (147) Shows a slide show.

Image Index (50) Displays the image list.

3D Viewing (152) Plays back 3D-images using a 3D-compatible TV connected

Protect (149) Protects or cancels protection for an image.

Specify Printing
(179)

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

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

(Repeat/Interval/Image Type)

(4 Images/9 Images)

to the camera.

(Multiple Img./Cancel All Images/Cancel All Movies(MP4)/
Cancel All AVCHD view files)

Specifies or unspecifies the images for DPOF.
(DPOF Setup/Date Imprint)

Volume Settings Sets the volume for movie playback.

Playback Display
(147)

Sets how to play back an image recorded in portrait.
(Auto Rotate/Manual Rotate)

60

The functions selected with the MENU button

Memory Card Tool menu

Format (163) Formats the memory card.

File Number (163) Sets the method used to assign file numbers to still images

Folder Name (163) Sets the folder format for still images.

Select REC Folder
(164)

New Folder (164) Creates a new folder for storing still images and MP4 movies.

Recover Image DB
(165)

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

and MP4 movies.
(Series/Reset)

(Standard Form/Date Form)

Changes the selected folder for storing still images and MP4
movies.

Recovers the image database file and enables recording and
playback.

recordable number of still images on the memory card.

Clock setup menu

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

Area Setting (28) Sets the location of use.

Setup menu

Functions list

Menu start Sets the default position of the cursor on the menu to the top

LCD Brightness Sets the brightness of the LCD screen.

Viewfinder Bright.
(160)

Eco Mode (160) Sets the level of the power saving feature.

Power Save (161) Sets the interval after which power save mode engages.

item or the last-selected item.
(Top/Previous)

(-2 to +2)

Sets the brightness of the viewfinder.
(Auto/Manual)

(Standard/Max)

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

61

The functions selected with the MENU button

HDMI Resolution
(152)

CTRL FOR HDMI
(153)

Upload Settings*
(165)

USB Connection
(172)

Audio signals Sets whether or not to use the beep sound when the focus is

Cleaning Mode (181) Starts the cleaning mode to clean the image sensor.

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

Version (171) Displays the camera software version.

Language Selects the language.

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

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

Initialize (167) Restores the settings to their defaults.

Sets the resolution when the camera is connected to an HDMI
TV.
(Auto/1080p/1080i)

Operates the camera from a TV that support “BRAVIA”
Sync.
(On/Off)

Sets the upload function of the camera when using an Eye-Fi
card.
(On/Off)

Sets the USB connection method.
(Auto/Mass Storage/MTP)

achieved or the self-timer is working.
(On/Off)

shooting mode).
(On/Off)

(On/Off)

(Reset Default/Rec mode reset/Custom reset)

62

Using the guide function of the camera

In-Camera Guide

When you press the (In-Camera Guide)

button on the Fn screen or menu screen, a

guide in accordance with the currently

selected function or setting appears

automatically.

Select unavailable functions or settings

on the Fn screen, then press the center of

the control button, the appropriate setup

is indicated in order to enable them.

Shooting Tip

The camera displays the shooting tips in accordance with the shooting

mode selected.

(In-Camera Guide) button

1 Press the (In-Camera Guide) button when the recording

information display is displayed.

A shooting tip list in accordance with the current subject appears
automatically.

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

then press the center of the control button.

The shooting tip is displayed.

• You can scroll the screen with v/V.

• You can select the item with b/B.

To access all shooting tips

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

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

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

shooting tip

63

Functions list

Viewing images on a computer

Using with your computer

Following applications are contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) to allow
more versatile use of images shot with your camera.

• “Image Data Converter”
You can open RAW format image files.

• “PlayMemories Home”
You can import still images or movies recorded with the camera to your
computer so that you can view them, and use various convenient features
to enhance the images you have shot.

For detailed notes on installation, also see page 66.

Notes

• Use “Image Data Converter” to play back RAW images.

• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac computers. When you play back

images on Mac computers, use the appropriate application software supplied with
the Mac computer.

Recommended computer environment (Windows)

The following computer environment is recommended when using the
supplied software and importing images via a USB connection.

OS (pre-installed) Microsoft Windows XP* SP3/Windows Vista** SP2/

“PlayMemories
Home”

“Image Data
Converter Ver.4”

* 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Windows Image

Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function
for creating discs.

** Starter (Edition) is not supported.

Windows 7 SP1

CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster
(For playing/editing the High Definition movies: Intel Core
Duo 1.66 GHz or faster/Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or faster,
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz or faster (AVC HD (FX/FH)))
Memory: Windows XP 512MB or more (1 GB or more is
recommended), Windows Vista/Windows 7 1 GB or more
Hard Disk: Disk space required for installation­approximately 500 MB

Display: Screen resolution-1024 × 768 dots or more

CPU/Memory: Pentium 4 or faster/1 GB or more
Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more

64

Using with your computer

Recommended computer environment (Mac)

The following computer environment is recommended when using the
supplied software and importing images via a USB connection.

OS (pre-installed) USB Connection: Mac OS X v10.3 – 10.7

“Image Data
Converter Ver.4”

Notes

• Operation is not assured in an environment based on an upgrade of the operating
systems described above or in a multi-boot environment.

• If you connect 2 or more USB devices to a single computer at the same time, some
devices, including the camera, may not operate, depending on the types of USB
devices you are using.

• Connecting the camera using a USB interface that is compatible with Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0 compliant) allows advanced transfer (high speed transfer), as the camera is
compatible with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant).

• When your computer resumes activity from suspend or sleep mode, communication
between the camera and your computer may not recover at the same time.

“Image Data Converter Ver.4”: Mac OS X v10.5, 10.6
(Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion)

CPU: Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or faster
Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended.
Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more

Viewing images on a computer

65

Using the software

Installing the software (Windows)

Log on as Administrator.

1 Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into

the CD-ROM drive.

The installation menu screen appears.

• If it does not appear, double-click [Computer] (For Windows XP: [My
Computer]) t (PMHOME) t [Install.exe].

• If the AutoPlay screen appears, select “Run Install.exe” and follow the
instructions that appear on the screen to proceed with the installation.

2 Connect the camera to the computer (page 172).

3 Click [Install].

Make sure that both “Image Data Converter” and “PlayMemories Home” are
checked and follow the instructions on the screen.

• When the restarting confirmation message appears, restart the computer
following the instructions on the screen.

• DirectX may be installed depending on the system environment of your
computer.

4 Remove the CD-ROM after the installation is complete.

The following software is installed and shortcut icons appear on the desktop.
“Image Data Converter”
“PlayMemories Home”
“PlayMemories Home Help Guide”

Note

• If “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) supplied with a camera that was purchased
before 2011 has already been installed on the computer, “PMB” is overwritten by
“PlayMemories Home,” and you may be unable to use some functions of “PMB.”

66

Using the software

Installing the software (Mac)

Log on as Administrator.

1 Turn on your Mac computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied)

into the CD-ROM drive.

2 Double-click the CD-ROM icon.

3 Copy the [IDC_INST.pkg] file in the [MAC] folder to the hard

disk icon.

4 Double-click the [IDC_INST.pkg] file in the copy-to folder.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Using “Image Data Converter”

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

• To edit images recorded in RAW format with various corrections, such as
tone curve, and sharpness.

• To adjust images with white balance, exposure, and creative style, etc.

• To save the images displayed and edited on a computer.
You can either save the image as RAW format or save it in the general
file format.

• To display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera.

• To rate the images on a scale of five.

• To set color labels.

To use “Image Data Converter,” refer to Help.
Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Image Data Converter] t [Help] t
[Image Data Converter Ver.4].

Viewing images on a computer

“Image Data Converter” support page (English only)
http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/

67

Using the software

Using “PlayMemories Home”

With “PlayMemories Home” you can do the following, etc.:

• To set images shot with the camera and display them on the computer.

• To organize images on the computer on a calendar by shooting date to
view them.

• To retouch (red-eye reduction, etc.), print, send still images as e-mail
attachments, and change the shooting date.

• To print or save still images with the date.

• To create Blu-ray discs or DVD discs from AVCHD movies imported to
a computer. (An Internet connection environment is required when a Blu­ray disc/DVD disc is created for the first time.)

Notes

• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac computers. When you play back

images on Mac computers, use the appropriate application software supplied with
the Mac computer.

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

24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are converted by “PlayMemories Home” in
order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time.
Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep
the original image quality, you must store your movies on a Blu-ray disc.

To use “PlayMemories Home,” refer to “PlayMemories Home Help
Guide.”
Double-click the shortcut of (PlayMemories Home Help Guide) on the
desktop. Or, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [PlayMemories Home] t
[PlayMemories Home Help Guide].

“PlayMemories Home” support page (English only)
http://www.sony.co.jp/pmh-se/

68

Selecting the method for creating a disc of movies

You can create a disc from AVCHD movies that have been recorded with
this camera.
Depending on the disc type, playable devices may vary. Select the method
that suits your disc player.
Here, 2 ways of creating a disc of movies are described; creating a disc with
a computer using “PlayMemories Home” or creating a disc with devices
other than a computer such as a recorder.

Disc type/usage

To keep high-definition
image quality (HD)

To keep high-definition
image quality (HD)
(AVCHD recording disc)

To keep standard definition
image quality (STD)

* When creating a disc using “PlayMemories Home,” changing the image quality to a

lower setting allows you to create a disc.

Record setting available

FX FH

–*

–* –*

Player

Blu-ray disc playback
devices
(Sony Blu-ray disc player,
PlayStation®3, etc.)

AVCHD format playback
devices
(Sony Blu-ray disc player,
PlayStation®3, etc.)

Ordinary DVD playback
devices
(DVD player, computer
that can play DVDs, etc.)

Viewing images on a computer

Creating a disc using a computer

You can import AVCHD movies to a computer using “PlayMemories
Home” and create an AVCHD recording disc or a standard definition image
quality (STD) disc.

69

Selecting the method for creating a disc of movies

For details on the method for creating a disc using “PlayMemories Home,”
see “PlayMemories Home Help Guide.”

Notes

• To create Blu-ray discs with “PlayMemories Home,” you have to install proprietary

add-on software. For details, access following URL:
http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/BDUW/

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

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

24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are converted by “PlayMemories Home” in
order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time.
Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep
the original image quality, you must store your movies on a Blu-ray disc (page 177).

Creating a disc with a device other than a computer

You can create a disc with a Blu-ray disc recorder etc.
The disc type you can create depends on the device used.

Device Disc type

Blu-ray disc recorder: To
create a Blu-ray disc or
DVD with standard image
quality (STD)

HDD recorder, etc.: To
create a DVD with
standard image quality
(STD)

Note

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

you use.

High-definition
image quality
(HD)

Standard definition image quality
(STD)

Standard
definition
image quality
(STD)

70

Others

List of icons on the screen

Graphic Display (LCD screen)

Display All Info. (LCD screen)

For playback (Basic information
display)

A

Display Indication

Exposure mode (37)

P A S

M

Scene Recognition icons
(31, 38, 85)

Memory card (21, 201)/
Upload (165)

100 Remaining number of

16M 8.4M

4.0M 14M

7.1M 3.4M

recordable images

Aspect ratio of still

images (154)

3D Sweep Panorama (39,

88)

Image size of still images
(47)

Image quality of still
images (154)

Others

Frame rate of movies
(103)

71

Display Indication

Image size of movies

(103)

100% Remaining battery (22)

Flash charge in progress
(41)

Setting Effect OFF (79)

No audio recording of
movies (104)

SteadyShot/Camera
shake warning (83)

SteadyShot error (192)

Overheating warning (10)

Database file full (194)/

Database file error (194)

View Mode (146)

100-0003 Folder - file number

- Protect (149)

DPOF DPOF set (179)

B

Display Indication

(174)

Remaining battery
warning (22)

Spot metering area (122)

AF area (110)

Smart Zoom (137)

Clear Image Zoom (137)

Digital Zoom (137)

Shutter speed indicator
(46)

Aperture indicator (46)

List of icons on the screen

C

Display Indication

REC 0:12 Recording time of the

z Focus (32, 107)

1/250 Shutter speed (94)

F3.5 Aperture (92)

ISO400 ISO sensitivity (126)

3/7 File number/Number of

2012-1-1
10:37AM

D

Display Indication

movie (m:s)

EV scale (43, 97, 143)
(Only for viewfinder)

+3.0 Exposure compensation

(43)

AE lock (121)

Auto HDR image
warning (128)

Picture Effect error (131)

images in the view mode

Date of recording

Drive mode (45, 140)

Flash mode (41, 124)/
Red-eye reduction (58)

Focus mode (109)

AF area (110)

Object tracking (111)

72

Display Indication

Face Detection (116)/
Smile Shutter (119)

Auto Portrait Framing

(118)

Smile Detection
Sensitivity indicator
(119)

E

Display Indication

Metering mode (122)

Flash compensation (122)

List of icons on the screen

AWB

A5 G5

+3 +3 +3

White balance (Auto,
Preset, Custom, Color
temperature, Color filter)
(133)

7500K

D-Range Optimizer

(127)/Auto HDR (128)

Creative Style (131)/
Contrast, Saturation,
Sharpness

Picture Effect (130)

Others

73

Functions available for each shooting mode

The functions you can use depend on the selected shooting mode.
In the table below, indicates the function available. – indicates the
function not available.
The functions you cannot use are displayed in gray on the screen.

Exposure

Shoot Mode

(31, 85) –

85)

(38, 86)

(39, 88) –––––

(91)

(92)

(94)

(96) –

(33, 100) *––

Comp.
(43)

(31, 85) –

(38,

(39, 88) –––––

(40, 90) –––––

Self-timer
(141)

–

––

––

––

––

––

––

––– ––

––

* When [Manual Exposure] is selected, this function is not available.

Cont.
Shooting
(140)

Face
Detection
(116)

Smile
Shutter
(119)

Auto Port.
Framing
(118)

74

Flash modes available

The flash modes you can select depend on the shooting mode and functions
selected.
In the table below, indicates the function selectable. – indicates the
function not selectable.
The flash modes you cannot select are displayed in gray on the screen.

Shoot Mode

(31, 85) –––––

85)

(38, 86)

(39, 88) –––––

(91) ––

(92) ––

(94) ––

(96) ––

(33, 100) –––––

(Flash
Off)

(31, 85) –– –

(38,

(39, 88) –––––

(40, 90) ––

(Autoflash)

––––

(Fill-

flash)

––––

––––

––––

–––––

–––––

(Slow

Sync.)

(Rear

Sync.) (Wireless)

–– –

–– –

–– –

Others

75

Preparation
Preparation (Advanced operat ions)

Advanced operations

This section provides further information

on the camera.

76

Setting up the camera

Removing the eyecup

When attaching the FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) to the
camera, remove the eyecup.

Carefully slide the eyecup off by
pushing on each side of the eyecup.

• Put your fingers under the eyecup, and
slide it upward.

Note

• When an FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) is attached to the camera,

switch the display between the viewfinder and the LCD screen by pressing the
FINDER/LCD button. Setting [Eye-Start AF] to [Off] is recommended because the
eyepiece sensors located above the viewfinder may be activated.

Preparation (Advanced operations)

77

The screen displayed for shooting mode

Selecting the screen mode

You can select the desired screen mode. When you switch the screen by
pressing DISP on the control button (page 46), only selected screens are
displayed. You can set the available screens to be displayed on the LCD
screen and the viewfinder separately.

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

Button(Finder)]

2 Select the desired display with v/V/b/B on the control button,

then press the center of the control button.

3 Press the MENU button.

78

The screen displayed for shooting mode

Histogram

The histogram displays the luminance
distribution that shows how many pixels
of a particular brightness exist in the
picture.
The exposure compensation will change
the histogram accordingly.
Both ends of the histogram show a high­key or low-key portion. You cannot
restore these area with a computer later.
Adjust the exposure if necessary and
shoot again.

Notes

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

of the image just monitored on the screen. The histogram will differ based on
aperture setting, etc.

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

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

Number of pixels

Dark Light

Preparation (Advanced operations)

Monitoring the subject through the lens without effects displayed

You can monitor the subject through the lens without effects, such as the
exposure compensation, white balance, Creative Style, Picture Effect etc.,
displayed.

79

The screen displayed for shooting mode

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

• When [Setting Effect OFF] is selected, the Live View image in M mode
is always displayed with the appropriate brightness.

Note

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

Auto, Superior Auto, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Movie or Scene
Selection.

80

The screen displayed for shooting mode

List of icons for viewfinder mode

When [For viewfinder] in [DISP Button(Monitor)] is activated, you can set
the status of the LCD screen to one suitable for used with the viewfinder,
by pressing DISP on the control button.
See pages in parentheses for details of operation.

In Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, or

Scene Selection mode

A

Display Indication

Exposure mode (37)

P A S

M

Memory card (21, 201)/
Upload (165)

100 Remaining number of

recordable images

Aspect ratio of still

images (154)

3D Sweep Panorama (39,

88)

In Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE/

P/A/S/M mode

Display Indication

16M 8.4M

4.0M 14M

7.1M 3.4M

Image size of still images
(47)

Image quality of still
images (154)

Frame rate of movies
(103)

Image size of movies

(103)

100% Remaining battery (22)

Flash charge in progress
(41)

Setting Effect OFF (79)

Preparation (Advanced operations)

81

The screen displayed for shooting mode

Display Indication

No audio recording of
movies (104)

SteadyShot/Camera
shake warning (83)

SteadyShot error (192)

Overheating warning (10)

Database file full (194)/

Database file error (194)

B

Display Indication

Drive mode (45, 140)

Flash mode (41, 124)/
Red-eye reduction (58)

Focus mode (109)

AF area (110)

Object Tracking (111)

Face Detection (116)/
Smile Shutter (119)

Metering mode (122)

AWB

A5 G5

White balance (Auto,
Preset, Custom, Color
temperature, Color filter)
(133)

7500K

D-Range Optimizer

(127)/Auto HDR (128)

Display Indication

Creative Style (131)/

+3 +3 +3

C

Display Indication

1/125 Shutter speed (94)

F2.8 Aperture (92)

ISO AUTO ISO sensitivity (126)

Contrast, Saturation,
Sharpness

Picture Effect (130)

Auto Portrait Framing

(118)

Exposure compensation

(43)/Metered Manual
(97)

Flash compensation (122)

EV scale (143)

AE lock (121)

82

Shooting a clear image without camera shake

“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs
after the shutter button has been pressed, resulting in a blurred image.
To reduce camera shake follow the instructions below.

Camera shake warning indicator

Due to potential camera shake, the

(Camera shake warning) indicator
flashes. In this case, use a tripod or the
flash.

Preparation (Advanced operations)

(Camera shake warning)

Note

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

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

indicator

Using the SteadyShot function

The SteadyShot function is available with this camera to reduce camera
shake. The SteadyShot function can be set separately for still image
shooting and for movie recording.
The SteadyShot function is set to [On] in the default settings.

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

Note

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

turned on, right after you point the camera towards a subject, or when the shutter
button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.

83

Shooting a clear image without camera shake

Using a tripod

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

• Shooting without a flash under dark conditions.

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

• Shooting a close subject, such as in macro shooting.

• Shooting with a telescopic lens.

Note

• When using a tripod, deactivate the SteadyShot function because there is a potential

for malfunction of the SteadyShot function.

84

Shooting (Advanced operations)

Shooting

Selecting the shooting mode

Intelligent Auto/ Flash Off

Set the mode dial to (Intelligent Auto), and shoot images
(page 31).

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

Note

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

unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO setting. If you want to adjust
various settings, set the mode dial to P, then shoot your subject.

Superior Auto

Set the mode dial to (Superior Auto), and shoot images
(page 38).

To set the continuous shooting

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

To select the storage method to be used for recorded images

In continuous shooting, you can select a storage method that allows the
camera either to store 1 appropriate image from among the continuously
shot images or store all the images.

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

Notes

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

selected from recognized scene mode, 1 combined image is saved.

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

85

Shooting (Advanced operations)

Selecting the shooting mode

Scene Selection

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting with preset settings according to the scene

Set the mode dial to (Scene Selection), select the desired
mode, and shoot images (page 38).

(Portrait) Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens

(Sports Action) Shoots a moving subject at a fast

(Macro) Shoots close subjects such as flowers,

(Landscape) Shoots the entire range of scenery in

the subject. Expresses skin tones softly.

• To blur the background more, set the
lens to the telephoto position.

• You can shoot a vivid image by
focusing on the eye that is closer to
the lens.

• Use the lens hood to shoot backlit subjects.

• Use the red-eye reduction function if the eyes of your
subject turn red from the flash (page 58).

shutter speed so that the subject looks
as if it is standing still. The camera
shoots images continuously while the
shutter button is pressed.

• Press and hold the shutter button
halfway down until the right moment.

foods.

• You can shoot a closer subject using
a macro lens (sold separately).

• Set the flash mode to [Flash Off]
when you shoot a subject within 1 m
(3.3 feet).

• When shooting in macro mode, the SteadyShot function
will not be fully effective. Use a tripod to achieve better
results.

• The shortest focal distance does not change.

sharp focus with vivid colors.

• To accentuate the openness of the
scenery, set the lens to wide angle.

86

Selecting the shooting mode

(Sunset) Shoots the red of the sunrise or sunset

(Night Scene) Shoots night scenes at a distance

(Hand-held

Twilight)

(Night Portrait) Shoots portraits in night scenes.

beautifully.

without losing the dark atmosphere of
the surroundings.

• The shutter speed is slower, so using
a tripod is recommended.

• The picture may not be taken
properly when shooting a wholly dark night scene.

Shoots night scenes with less noise and
blur without using a tripod. A burst of
shots are taken, and image processing
is applied to reduce subject blur,
camera shake, and noise.

• Reducing blur is less effective even
in [Hand-held Twilight] when shooting:
– Subjects with erratic movement
– Subjects too close to the camera
– Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and

subjects with little contrast such as sky, sandy beach, or
lawn

– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water

falls

• In the case of [Hand-held Twilight], block noise may occur
when using a light source that flickers, such as fluorescent
lighting.

• The shutter speed is slower, so using
a tripod is recommended.

Shooting (Advanced operations)

Shooting technique

• When you want finer images, set the mode dial to P, A, S, or M and use
the creative style function (page 131). In such cases, you can adjust the
exposure, ISO, etc.

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Selecting the shooting mode

Notes

• Since the camera judges the settings automatically, many features will be
unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO setting.

• The flash is set to [Autoflash] or [Flash Off] for each Scene Selection mode. You can
change these settings (pages 41, 75, 124).

Sweep Panorama/ 3D Sweep Panorama

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting expansive scenery, or high-rise buildings with dynamic composition.
z Shooting 3D-images with a sense of depths and viewing them using a 3D-

compatible TV.

Set the mode dial to (Sweep Panorama) or (3D Sweep
Panorama), and shoot images (page 39).

Notes

• If you cannot pan or tilt the camera across the entire subject within the given time, a
gray area occurs in the composed image. If this happens, move the camera fast to
record a full panoramic image.

• Since several images are stitched together, the stitched part will not be recorded
smoothly. While shooting, do not tilt the camera back and forth, or right and left
when you swing the camera straight ahead.

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

• Under lights that flicker such as fluorescent light, the brightness or color of the
combined image is not always the same.

• When the whole angle of panoramic shooting and the angle in which you fixed the
focus and exposure with AE/AF lock are extremely different in brightness, color and
focus, the shooting will not be successful. If this happens, change the lock angle and
shoot again.

• [Sweep Panorama] or [3D Sweep Panorama] is not suitable when shooting:
– Moving subjects.
– Subjects too close to the camera.
– Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and subjects with little contrast such

as sky, sandy beach, or lawn.
– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water falls.
– Subjects with the sun or electric lights, etc. that are much brighter than

surroundings.

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Selecting the shooting mode

• [Sweep Panorama] or [3D Sweep Panorama] recording may be discontinued in the
following situations:
– You pan or tilt the camera too fast or too slow.
– There is too much camera shake.

• The camera continues shooting during [Sweep Panorama] or [3D Sweep Panorama]
recording, and the shutter keeps clicking until the end of the shooting.

• [Auto Port. Framing] and the zoom feature of the camera (ZOOM) cannot be used.

Tips for shooting a panoramic image

Pan or tilt the camera in an arc with a
constant velocity and in the same

Vertical
direction

Horizontal direction

direction as the indication on the screen.
[Sweep Panorama] or [3D Sweep
Panorama] is better suited for still
subjects, rather than moving ones.

Radius as short as
possible

• In Sweep Panorama or 3D Sweep Panorama, it is recommended that you

use a wide-angle lens.

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

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

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

lock the focus, exposure, and white balance.

• If a section with greatly varied shapes or scenery is concentrated along a

screen edge, the image composition may fail. In such cases, adjust the
frame composition so that the section is in the center of the image, then
shoot again.

Shooting (Advanced operations)

3D-images

Using the same operation as that for Sweep Panorama, the camera records
multiple images and combines them to create a 3D-image.
You can view these 3D images using a 3D-compatible TV. For details on
3D-shooting, see page 200.

To change the image size

You can select the image size: MENU button t 1 t [Panorama:
Size] or [3D Pan.: Image Size].

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Selecting the shooting mode

To set the pan or tilt direction

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

MENU button t 1 t [Panorama: Direction] or [3D Pan.:
Direction] t Select the desired setting

Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting a fast-moving subject continuously to capture a moment.
z Shooting a child’s expressions, changing continuously from moment to

moment.

Set the mode dial to (Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE), and shoot
images (page 40).

• The minimum zoom scale of the camera (ZOOM) is set to 1.4 times and
the image size is set to M or S.

Shooting techniques

• When the autofocus mode is set to [Continuous AF], the focus and the
exposure continue to be adjusted during shooting. The aperture value is
set to F3.5 (when the maximum aperture value of the lens is larger than
F3.5, it is set to the maximum aperture value) and the ISO sensitivity can
be adjusted.

• In manual focus mode or when the autofocus mode is set to [Single-shot
AF], you can adjust the ISO sensitivity and the aperture. When [Single­shot AF] is selected, the focus is fixed at the first image.

Notes

• The shutter speed is slower, depending on the ISO or aperture setting. As a result, the

speed of continuous shooting may be slower.

• The Face Detection function is turned off.

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

to the DRO setting.

• You cannot set [Quality] to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG].

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Selecting the shooting mode

• The speed of continuous shooting is estimated using our criteria. The speed of
continuous shooting may be slower, depending on shooting conditions (Image size,
ISO setting, aperture value, High ISO NR, or the setting of [Lens Comp.:
Distortion]).

Program Auto

This mode is suitable for

z Using the automatic exposure, while keeping the custom settings for ISO

sensitivity, Creative Style, D-Range optimizer, etc.

1 Set the mode dial to P.

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

to 143).

• To fire the flash, press the button.

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.

Program Shift

You can temporarily change the shutter
speed and aperture value combination
with the correct exposure determined by
the camera maintained.
Rotate the control dial to select your
desired combination while the focus is
achieved.
The exposure mode indication changes to
“P*.”

Shooting (Advanced operations)

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Selecting the shooting mode

Aperture Priority

This mode is suitable for

z Putting the subject in sharp focus and blur everything in front of and beyond the

subject. Opening the aperture narrows the range that is in focus. (Depth of field
becomes shallower.)

z Shooting the depth of the scenery. Narrowing down the aperture widens the

range that is in focus. (Depth of field becomes deeper.)

1 Set the mode dial to A.

2 Select the aperture value (F-

number) with the control dial.

• Smaller F-number: The foreground and
background of the subject are blurred.
Larger F-number: The subject and its
foreground and background are all in
focus.

• You cannot check the blurring of an
image on the LCD screen or in the
viewfinder. Check the recorded image
and adjust the aperture.

Aperture (F-number)

92

Selecting the shooting mode

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the

subject.

The shutter speed is automatically
adjusted to obtain correct exposure.

• When the camera judges that the proper
exposure is not obtained with the
selected aperture value, the shutter
speed flashes. In such cases, adjust the
aperture again.

Shooting techniques

• The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value.
When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.

• To blur the background more, use a telephoto lens or a lens that is
equipped with a smaller aperture value (bright lens).

• You can check the approximate blurring of the image before recording
using the preview button.

Note

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

according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range
in “Specifications.”

Shutter speed

Shooting (Advanced operations)

93

Selecting the shooting mode

To check blurring of the background (Preview button)

The LCD screen and the viewfinder
shows an image captured with the widest
aperture. The change in aperture affects
the sharpness of the subject image,
creating a discrepancy between the
sharpness of the image before shooting
and that of the actual image.
While you are pressing the preview
button, you can see the image with the
aperture used in the actual shot so that
you can check the approximate sharpness
of the subject before shooting.

• Press the preview button after you adjust the focus.

• You can adjust the aperture in preview mode.

Note

• When another function is assigned to the preview button, set [Preview Button] to
[Shot. Result Preview] or [Aperture Preview] in the Custom menu (page 159).

Preview button

Shutter Priority

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting a moving subject at a moment in time. Use a faster shutter speed to

crisply shoot an instant of the movement.

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

speed to shoot a trailing image of the moving subject.

1 Set the mode dial to S.

94

2 Select the shutter speed with the

control dial.

Selecting the shooting mode

Shutter speed

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the

subject.

The aperture is automatically adjusted to
obtain correct exposure.

• When the camera judges that the proper
exposure is not obtained with the
selected shutter speed, the aperture
value flashes. In such cases, adjust the
shutter speed again.

Shooting techniques

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

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

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in Shutter Priority
mode.

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

• When the shutter speed is 1 second or longer, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR)
will be done for the same amount of time that the shutter was open after shooting.
You cannot do any further shooting during the reduction.

Aperture (F-number)

95

Shooting (Advanced operations)

Selecting the shooting mode

• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, when using the flash, if
you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, the
light of the flash will not reach distant subjects.

Manual Exposure

This mode is suitable for

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

and aperture.

1 Set the mode dial to M.

2 Rotate the control dial to adjust

the shutter speed, and while
pressing the AV button, rotate the
control dial to adjust the aperture.

AV button

Aperture (F-number)

Shutter speed

96

Selecting the shooting mode

3 Shoot the image after the

LCD screen

exposure is set.

• Check the exposure value using
Metered Manual*.
Toward +: Images become brighter.
Toward –: Images become darker.

* When the camera is in M mode, it will

show an under or over compensation
value based on the correct exposure.

• In viewfinder mode, check the
exposure value using the EV scale.

Notes

• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure
mode.

• When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is set to [100]. In M mode,
the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sensitivity as necessary
(page 126).

• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, the flash range differs
according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range
in “Specifications.”

The screen in the viewfinder

Exposure value

Standard exposure

BULB

This mode is suitable for

z Shooting trails of light, such as fireworks.
z Shooting trails of stars.

Shooting (Advanced operations)

1 Set the mode dial to M.

97

Selecting the shooting mode

2 Rotate the control dial to the left

until [BULB] is indicated.

BULB

3 While pressing the AV button,

rotate the control dial to adjust
the aperture (F-number).

AV button

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

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

shooting.

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

Shooting techniques

• Use a tripod.

• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks,
etc. When the infinity position of the lens is not known, first adjust the
focus on fireworks that is set off in the same general area, then shoot
them.

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Selecting the shooting mode

• If you use a Remote Commander that is equipped with a shutter button
lock function (sold separately), you can leave the shutter open using the
Remote Commander.

Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mono.] setting of [Picture Effect] is used with the shutter speed set to [BULB], the
shutter speed is temporarily set to 30 seconds.

• It is recommended that you start BULB shooting after the temperature of the camera

drops to prevent the quality of the image from deteriorating.

Shooting (Advanced operations)

99

Movie recording setup

Recording movies easily

Movie recording can be started from any exposure mode.
The shutter speed and aperture value are adjusted automatically.

Press the MOVIE button to start recording (page 33).

Shooting techniques

• Start recording after you adjust the focus.

• The following settings that were set during still image shooting can be
used.
–ISO
– White Balance
– Creative Style
– Exposure compensation
–AF area
–Metering Mode
– Face Detection
– Object Tracking
– D-Range optimizer
– Lens Comp.: Shading
– Lens Comp.: Chro. Aber.
– Lens Comp.: Distortion
– Picture Effect

• ISO, exposure compensation, Object Tracking, or AF area can be
adjusted during movie recording.

• If you assign [AF lock] to the AEL button or preview button, you can
lock the focus by pressing these buttons in autofocus mode.

Notes

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

of still image shooting.

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

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

100