Sony α 500 Instruction Manual

Preparing the camera
Before your operation
Shooting images
Using the shooting function
Using the viewing function
Changing your setup
Viewing images on a computer
Printing images
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
DSLR-A500/A550
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DSLR-A500/A550 Serial No. __________________________
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment plug adaptor of the proper configuration for the power outlet.
Caution
Battery pack
If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions.
• Do not disassemble.
• Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it.
• Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals.
• Do not expose to high temperature above 60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun.
• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.
• Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries.
• Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack.
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• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children.
• Keep the battery pack dry.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony.
• Dispose of used battery pack promptly described the instructions.
Battery charger
Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).
For Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http:// www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
UL is an internationally recognized safety organization. The UL Mark on the product means it has been UL Listed.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
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Regulatory Information
Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DSLR-A500 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DSLR-A550 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
– Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
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For Customers in Europe
Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
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Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery contains more than 0.0005% mercury or
0.004% lead. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-of­life to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Notice for customers in the United Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an or
mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
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Notes on using your camera

Shooting procedure
• This camera has two modes for shooting: the Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mode using the viewfinder (OVF).
• There may be differences between an image recorded in Live View mode and an image recorded in viewfinder mode, such as exposure, white balance, or D­range optimizer, depending on the method used of metering or the exposure mode.
• In Live View or manual focus check mode, the recorded image may be different from the image you monitored with the LCD monitor.
No compensation for contents of the recording
The contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or a memory card, etc.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always copy (back up) data to other medium.
Notes on the LCD monitor and lens
• The LCD monitor is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD monitor. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the images in any way. To deal with such issues that may appear in Live View mode, you may reduce the effect by using the “Pixel mapping” function (page 163).
• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of
• Do not expose the camera to direct
• Images may trail across on the LCD
• Do not press against the LCD monitor.
Warning on copyright
Television programs, films, videotapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.
The pictures used in this manual
The photographs used as examples of pictures in this manual are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera.
On the data specifications described in this Instruction Manual
The data on performance and specifications is defined under the following conditions, except as described in this Instruction Manual: at an ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC (77°F), and using a fully charged battery pack.
Black, white, red, blue and green points
the LCD monitor.
sunlight. If sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire. When you must place the camera under direct sunlight, attach the lens cap.
monitor in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. When turning on the camera in a cold location, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the monitor will function normally.
The monitor may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction.
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Table of Contents

Notes on using your camera .............................................. 7
Preparing the camera
Before your operation
Shooting images
Checking the accessories supplied .................................. 12
Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 13
Attaching a lens ............................................................... 20
Inserting a memory card .................................................. 22
Preparing the camera ....................................................... 25
Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 27
Checking the number of recordable images .................... 29
Cleaning ........................................................................... 32
Identifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 35
Front side .................................................................... 35
Rear side ..................................................................... 36
Top ............................................................................. 38
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 39
Switching the recording information display (DISP)
............................................................................ 40
LCD monitor .............................................................. 41
Selecting a function/setting ............................................. 43
Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button ... 44 The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button ... 45
The functions selected by the MENU button ............. 45
Shooting an image without camera shake ....................... 47
Correct posture ........................................................... 47
Using the SteadyShot function ................................... 48
Using a tripod ............................................................. 49
/ Shooting with the automatic setting............... 50
Using the Face Detection function ............................. 52
Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene
Selection) .................................................................... 54
Taking portrait photos .......................................... 55
Taking landscape photos ...................................... 56
Taking small-subject photos ................................ 57
Taking moving-subject photos ............................. 58
Taking sunset photos ........................................... 59
Taking night view photos .................................... 60
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Using the shooting function
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 61
Shooting with program auto .................................. 62
Shooting by controlling the blur of the background
(Aperture priority) ............................................. 63
Shooting a moving subject with various expressions
(Shutter speed priority) ..................................... 65
Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually
(Manual exposure) ............................................ 67
Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) .......... 69
Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF) ............................... 71
Switching to the viewfinder ....................................... 71
Adjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)
............................................................................ 72
Switching the recording information display (DISP)
............................................................................ 73
LCD monitor (Graphic Display) ................................ 74
LCD monitor (Standard Display) ............................... 76
Viewfinder .................................................................. 78
Selecting the focus method .............................................. 79
Using autofocus .......................................................... 79
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)
............................................................................ 81
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the
subject (Autofocus mode) ................................. 82
Selecting the focus area (AF area) ............................. 83
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus) ........... 84
Checking the focus by enlarging the image (Manual
focus check) ...................................................... 85
Zooming in in one step .................................................... 87
Using the flash ................................................................. 88
Performing wireless flash shooting ............................ 91
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash
compensation, Metering) ............................................ 92
Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock) ................ 92
Using brightness compensation for the entire image
(Exposure compensation) .................................. 93
9
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 95
Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of
flash light (Flash control) .................................. 96
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a
subject (Metering mode) ................................... 97
Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically
(D-Range) ................................................................... 98
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range
Optimizer) ......................................................... 98
Compensating automatically with rich gradation (Auto
High Dynamic Range) ....................................... 99
Image processing ........................................................... 101
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
.......................................................................... 101
Changing the range of color reproduction (Color Space)
.......................................................................... 102
Setting ISO .................................................................... 103
Adjusting the color tones (White balance) .................... 104
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source
(Auto/Preset white balance) ............................ 104
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color
Temperature/Color filter) ................................ 105
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) 106
Selecting the drive mode .................................. 108
Shooting single shot ................................................. 108
Shooting continuously .............................................. 108
Using the self-timer .................................................. 109
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure
bracket) ............................................................ 110
Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)
.......................................................................... 111
Shooting with the Wireless Remote Commander .... 112
Capturing smiling faces (Smile Shutter) ....................... 113
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Using the viewing function
Changing your setup
Viewing images on a computer
Printing images
Others
Playing back images ...................................................... 115
Checking the information of recorded images .............. 120
Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 122
Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 123
Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 125
Setting image size and image quality ............................ 128
Setting the method for recording on a memory card ..... 130
Changing the noise reduction setting ............................ 132
Changing the function of the AEL button ..................... 133
Changing other settings ................................................. 134
Setting the LCD monitor ............................................... 135
Confirming the version of the camera ........................... 137
Resetting to the default .................................................. 138
Using your computer ..................................................... 140
Using the software ......................................................... 147
Specifying DPOF .......................................................... 152
Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge
compliant printer ...................................................... 154
Specifications ................................................................ 156
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 160
Warning messages ......................................................... 169
Precautions .................................................................... 172
Index ............................................................................. 174
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Preparing the camera

Checking the accessories supplied

The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
• BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/ Power cord (mains lead) (1)
• Rechargeable battery pack NP­FM500H (1)
• USB cable (1)
• Shoulder strap (1)
• Eyepiece cover (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the camera)
• Instruction Manual (This manual) (1)
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the camera)
• CD-ROM (Application Software for α camera) (1)
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Preparing the battery pack

When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP­FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).
Charging the battery pack
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not been fully charged.
1 Insert the battery pack on the
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
2 Connect the power cord (mains
lead).
Light on: Charging Light off: Normal charge completed One hour after the lamp is turned off: Full charge completed
About charging time
• Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as follows.
Full charge Normal charge
Approx. 235 min. Approx. 175 min.
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery back or charging conditions.
CHARGE lamp
To a wall outlet (wall socket)
Preparing the camera
13
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range.
Notes
• Connect the battery charger to the nearest wall outlet (wall socket).
• When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall
outlet (wall socket), and remove the battery pack from the battery charger. If you leave the charged battery pack on the charger, battery life may be decreased.
• Do not charge any battery pack other than the “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery
pack in the battery charger (supplied) with your camera. Batteries other than the specified kind may leak, overheat, or explode if you attempt to charge them, posing a risk of injury from electrocution and burns.
• When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery
pack other than the specified type has been installed. Check that the battery pack is the specified type. If the battery pack is the specified type, remove the battery pack, replace it with new one or another one and check if the battery charger operates correctly. If the battery charger operates correctly, a battery error may have occurred.
• If the battery charger is dirty, charging may not be performed successfully. Clean the
battery charger with dry cloth, etc.
To use your camera abroad — Power sources
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately) in any country or region where the power supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Note
• Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a
malfunction.
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Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.
A Type
(American
Type)
B Type (British
Type)
BF Type
(British
Type)
B3 Type
(British
Type)
C Type
(CEE Type)
SE Type
(CEE Type)
O Type (Ocean
Type)
The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used. Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used.
-For only the United States Use a UL Listed, 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft.), Type SPT-2 or NISPT-2, AWG no. 18 power supply cord, rated for 125 V 7 A, with a non-polarized NEMA 1-15P plug rated for 125 V 15 A.”
Europe
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Austria 230 50 C Belgium 230 50 C Czech 220 50 C Denmark 230 50 C Finland 230 50 C France 230 50 C Germany 230 50 C Greece 220 50 C Hungary 220 50 C Iceland 230 50 C Ireland 230 50 C/BF Italy 220 50 C Luxemburg 230 50 C Netherlands 230 50 C Norway 230 50 C Poland 220 50 C Portugal 230 50 C Romania 220 50 C Russia 220 50 C Slovak 220 50 C Spain 127/230 50 C Sweden 230 50 C Switzerland 230 50 C UK 240 50 BF
Asia
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
China 220 50 A Hong Kong 200/220 50 BF India 230/240 50 C Indonesia 127/230 50 C Japan 100 50/60 A Korea (rep) 220 60 C Malaysia 240 50 BF Philippines 220/230 60 A/C
Preparing the camera
15
Singapore 230 50 BF Taiwan 110 60 A Thailand 220 50 C/BF Vietnam 220 50 A/C
Oceania
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Australia 240 50 O New Zealand 230/240 50 O
North America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Canada 120 60 A USA 120 60 A
Central America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Bahamas 120/240 60 A Costa Rica 110 60 A Cuba 110/220 60 A/C Dominican (rep) 110 60 A El Salvador 110 60 A Guatemala 120 60 A Honduras 110 60 A Jamaica 110 50 A Mexico 120/127 60 A Nicaragua 120/240 60 A Panama 110/220 60 A
South America
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Argentina 220 50 C/BF/O Brazil 127/220 60 A/C Chile 220 50 C Colombia 120 60 A Peru 220 60 A/C Venezuela 120 60 A
Middle East
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Iran 220 50 C/BF Iraq 220 50 C/BF Israel 230 50 C Saudi Arabia 127/220 50 A/C/BF Turkey 220 50 C UAE 240 50 C/BF
Africa
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Algeria 127/220 50 C Congo (dem) 220 50 C Egypt 220 50 C Ethiopia 220 50 C Kenya 240 50 C/BF Nigeria 230 50 C/BF South Africa 220/230 50 C/BF Tanzania 230 50 C/BF Tunisia 220 50 C
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Inserting the charged battery pack
1 While sliding the battery cover
open lever, open the battery cover.
2 Firmly insert the battery pack all
the way while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery.
3 Close the battery cover.
To remove the battery pack
Turn off the camera and slide the lock lever in the direction of the arrow. Be careful not to drop the battery pack.
Preparing the camera
Lock lever
Lock lever
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To remove the battery cover
The battery cover can be removed to attach the VG-B50AM Vertical Grip (sold separately). To remove the cover, push the lever in the direction of the arrow and slide it out. To attach the cover, put the knob in the hole, pull down the lever, and slide it in.
To check the remaining battery level
Check the level with the following indicators and percent figures displayed on the LCD monitor.
“Battery
Battery level
High Low
exhausted”
You cannot shoot any more pictures.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with your camera. Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack, the remaining battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the operating conditions of your camera.
Notes
• The displayed level may not be correct under certain circumstances.
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water-resistant.
• Do not leave the battery pack in extremely hot places, such as in a car or under direct sunlight.
Available battery packs
Use only an NP-FM500H battery pack. Note that the NP-FM55H, NP­FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used.
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Effective use of the battery pack
• Battery performance decreases in low temperature surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack can be used is shorter in cold places and the speed of continuous shooting slows down. We recommend that you put the battery pack in a pocket close to your body to warm it up, and insert it in your camera immediately before you start shooting.
• The battery pack will run out quickly if you use the flash frequently, use continuous shooting often, or turn the camera on and off frequently.
• The time available in the Live View mode is shorter than that in the viewfinder mode. When you feel that the battery consumption is too fast, switch to the viewfinder mode. Doing so makes the battery last longer.
Battery life
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity decreases little by little as you use it more and more, and as time passes. If the battery operating time seems shortened considerably, a probable cause is that the battery pack has reached the end of its life. Buy a new battery pack.
• The battery life varies according to how it is stored and the operating conditions and environment in which each battery pack is used.
How to store the battery pack
If the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, fully charge it and then fully use it up once a year on your camera before storing the battery pack in a dry, cool place to prolong the battery life.
Preparing the camera
19

Attaching a lens

1 Remove the body cap from 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.
2 Mount the lens by aligning the
orange index marks on the lens and camera.
3 Turn the lens clockwise until it
clicks into the locked position.
• 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.
Packaging lid
Body cap
Orange index marks
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To remove the lens
1 Press the lens release button all
the way in and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops.
Lens release button
2 Replace the packaging lid on the
lens and attach 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.
Note on changing the lens
When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust from landing on the image sensor. However, quickly change the lens away from dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens.
If dust or debris lands on the image sensor
Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning mode] in the Setup menu (page 33).
Preparing the camera
21

Inserting a memory card

Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards can be used with this camera. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camera. The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are referred to as the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and the SD memory card and SDHC memory card are referred to as the “SD memory card” in this Instruction Manual.
1 Open the memory card cover.
2 Insert “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
media or an SD memory card.
• Insert the memory card until it clicks as illustrated.
3 Select the type of memory card
you want to use using the memory card switch.
4 Close the memory card cover.
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Face side (SD memory card)
Terminal part
Face side (“Memory Stick PRO Duo”)
Terminal part
To remove the memory card
Check that the access lamp is not lit, then open the memory card cover, and push the memory card once.
Access lamp
Notes on using memory cards
• Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card.
• Do not use or store the memory card under the following conditions: – High temperature locations such as the hot interior of a car parked in
direct sunlight. – Locations exposed to direct sunlight. – Humid locations or locations with corrosive substances present.
• The memory card may be hot just after it has been used for a long time. Be careful when you handle it.
• When the access lamp is lit, do not remove the memory card or the battery pack, or turn off the power. The data may be corrupted.
• Data may be damaged if you place the memory card near strongly­magnetized material or use the memory card in a static-prone or electrically noisy environment.
• We recommend backing up important data, such as to a hard disk of a computer.
• When you carry or store the memory card, put it in the case supplied with it.
• Do not expose the memory card to water.
• Do not touch the terminal section of the memory card with your hand or a metal object.
• When the write-protect switch of a memory card is set to the LOCK position, you cannot perform operations, such as recording or deleting images.
• The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media with a capacity up to 16 GB or the SD memory cards with a capacity up to 32 GB have been confirmed to operate properly with this camera.
23
Preparing the camera
• The memory cards formatted with a computer are not guaranteed to operate with this camera. Be sure to format the memory cards using the camera.
• Data read/write speeds differ depending on the combination of the memory cards and the equipment used.
• Do not press down hard when you write down on the memo area.
• Do not attach a label on the memory cards themselves.
• Do not disassemble or modify the memory cards.
• Do not leave the memory cards within the reach of small children. They might accidentally swallow it.
Notes on the “Memory Stick” media used with the camera
The types of “Memory Stick” media that can be used with this camera are listed in the table below. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media functions.
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media*
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media*
“Memory Stick Duo” media Unavailable with your camera
Available with your camera
“Memory Stick” media and “Memory Stick PRO” media
* This is equipped with MagicGate function. MagicGate is copyright protection
technology that uses encryption technology. Data recording/playback that requires MagicGate functions cannot be performed with this camera.
* Supports high-speed data transfer using a parallel interface.
Unavailable with your camera
24

Preparing the camera

Setting up the date
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen appears.
1 Set the power switch to ON to turn
the camera on.
• To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.
2 Verify that [OK] is selected on the
LCD monitor, then press the center of the controller.
3 Select each item with b/B and
set the numeric value with v/V.
• When changing the sequence of [YYYY/MM/DD], first select [YYYY/ MM/DD] with b/B, then change it with v/V.
Preparing the camera
4 Repeat step 3 to set other items, then press the center of the
controller.
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5 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of the
controller.
To cancel the date/time setting operation
Press the MENU button.
To set up the date/time again
MENU button t 1 t [Date/Time setup]
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Using the accessories supplied

This section describes how to use the shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other accessories are described in the following pages.
• Rechargeable battery pack (page 13)
• Battery charger, Power cord (mains lead) (page 13)
• USB cable (pages 141, 154)
•CD-ROM (page148)
Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach both ends of the strap onto the camera.
• You can also attach the eyepiece cover (page 28) on the strap.
Eyepiece cover
Preparing the camera
27
Using the eyepiece cover and eyecup
You can prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure. When the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinder in viewfinder mode, as in shooting with the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover.
1 Tilt the LCD monitor downward.
2 Carefully slide the eyecup off by
pushing on each side of the eyecup.
• Put your fingers under the eyecup, and slide it upward.
• When attaching the FDA-M1AM Magnifier (sold separately), the FDA­A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately), or the FDA-ME1AM Magnifying Eyepiece (sold separately) to the camera, remove the eyecup as illustrated and attach them.
3 Slide the eyepiece cover over the
viewfinder.
Note
• The eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated depending on the situation, and the focus may be adjusted or the LCD monitor may continue to flash. In such cases, turn off both [Eye-Start AF] (page 71) and [Auto off w/ VF] (page 136).
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Checking the number of recordable images

Once you insert a memory card into the camera and set the power switch to ON, the number of images that can be recorded (should you continue to shoot using the current settings) is displayed on the LCD monitor.
Notes
• When “0” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete images in the current memory card (page 123).
• When “NO CARD” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, it means no memory card has been inserted. Insert a memory card.
The number of images that can be recorded on a memory card
The table shows the approximate number of images that can be recorded on a memory card formatted with this camera. The values are defined using Sony standard memory cards for testing. The values may vary depending on the shooting conditions.
Image size: L 14M (DSLR-A550)/L 12M (DSLR-A500) Aspect ratio: 3:2* “Memory Stick PRO Duo” DSLR-A550 (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 213 451 893 1796 3642
Fine 151 319 633 1273 2582
RAW & JPEG 43 92 184 370 752
RAW 61 131 260 523 1062
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB
Preparing the camera
29
DSLR-A500 (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 242 512 1015 2039 4136
Fine 174 368 730 1467 2975
RAW & JPEG 49 105 210 423 860
RAW 70 149 296 596 1210
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB
SD memory card DSLR-A550 (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 222 442 890 1793 3642
Fine 157 313 631 1271 2582
RAW & JPEG 45 90 183 370 752
RAW 64 128 259 522 1062
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB
DSLR-A500 (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 252 502 1011 2036 4136
Fine 181 361 727 1465 2975
RAW & JPEG 51 103 209 423 860
RAW 73 146 295 595 1210
* When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more images than the numbers
shown in the table above. However, if it is set to [RAW], the number is the same as that of the [3:2] aspect ratio.
1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB
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