Sony A900 - Alpha 24.6MP DSLR Camera User manual

DSLR-A900 3-877-682-14 (1)
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can be
found at our Customer Support Website.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
Instruction Manual
DSLR-A900
Preparing the camera
Before your operation
Shooting images
Using the shooting
function
Using the viewing
function
Using the menu
Viewing images on a
computer
Printing images

2
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located
on the bottom.
Record the serial number in the space
provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. DSLR-A900
Serial No. __________________________
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
WARNING
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert
the user to the presence of
important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

3
For your protection, please read these
safety instructions completely before
operating the appliance, and keep this
manual for future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the
one described in the operating instructions
and adhere to them.
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the
type of electrical power supplied to your
home, consult your dealer or local power
company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other
sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized
ac power cord plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only
one way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to have a suitable outlet
installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension
cords or convenience receptacles beyond
their capacity, since this can result in fire or
electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended
by the manufacturer, as they may cause
hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth
lightly dampened with water for cleaning
the exterior of the set.
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near
water – for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular
attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the
point where the cord exits from the
appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may
fall, causing serious injury to a child or an
adult, and serious damage to the set. Use
only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for necessary ventilation. To
ensure reliable operation of the set, and to
protect it from overheating, these slots and
openings must never be blocked or
covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a
cloth or other materials.
Use
Installation

4
– Never block the slots and openings by
placing the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space,
such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet,
unless proper ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a
radiator or heat register, or where it is
exposed to direct sunlight.
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a
lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged
or frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or
water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive
shock by being dropped, or the cabinet
has been damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are
specified in the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls
may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal
operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for
service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be
sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs
to the set, ask the service technician to
perform routine safety checks (as specified
by the manufacturer) to determine that the
set is in safe operating condition.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER - TO
REDUCE THE RISK
OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY
FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
For connection to a supply not in the
U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter of
the proper configuration for the power
outlet.
Service

5
Read this first
Replace the battery with the specified type
only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION
BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve
our environment by
returning your used
rechargeable batteries to
the collection and
recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling
of rechargeable batteries, call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://
www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
Caution
Incorrect use of the battery pack risks
explosion, fire, or chemical burn. Comply
with the following precautions.
• Do not disassemble.
• Do not crush and do not expose the
battery pack to any shock or force such as
hammering, dropping or stepping on it.
• Do not short circuit and do not allow
metal objects to come into contact with
the battery terminals.
• Do not expose to high temperature above
140°F (60°C) such as in direct sunlight or
in a car parked in the sun.
• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.
• Do not handle damaged or leaking
lithium ion batteries.
• Be sure to charge the battery with Sony
battery charger or the device that can
charge the battery.
• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of
small children.
• Keep the battery pack dry.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by Sony.
• Dispose of used battery promptly
according to the instructions.
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.
CAUTION
For Customers in the U.S.A.
and Canada
For Customers in the U.S.A.

6
Regulatory Information
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.
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery
contains perchlorate.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSLR-A900
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics
Inc.
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
For the State of California,
USA only

7
This product has been tested and found
compliant with the limits set out in the
EMC Directive for using connection cables
shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and
sound of this unit.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism
causes data transfer to discontinue midway
(fail), restart the application or disconnect
and connect the communication cable
(USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical &
Electronic Equipment (Applicable in
the European Union and other
European countries with separate
collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product shall
not be treated as household waste. Instead it
shall be handed over to the applicable
collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potential
negative consequences for the environment
and human health, which could otherwise
be caused by inappropriate waste handling
of this product. The recycling of materials
will help to conserve natural resources. For
more detailed information about recycling
of this product, please contact your local
Civic Office, your household waste
disposal service or the shop where you
purchased the product.
Applicable Accessories: Remote
Commander
Disposal of waste batteries
(applicable in the European Union
and other European countries with
separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the
packaging indicates that the battery
provided with this product shall not be
treated as household waste.
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of
correctly, you will help prevent potentially
negative consequences for the environment
and human health which could otherwise be
caused by inappropriate waste handling of
the battery. The recycling of the materials
will help to conserve natural resources.
In case of products that for safety,
performance or data integrity reasons
require a permanent connection with an
incorporated battery, this battery should be
replaced by qualified service staff only.
To ensure that the battery will be treated
properly, hand over the product at end-of-
life 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.
For Customers in Europe

8
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.
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.
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom
Notice for the customers in
the countries applying EU
Directives

9
Notes on using your camera
No compensation for contents of the
recording
The contents of the recording cannot be
compensated for if recording or playback is
not possible due to a malfunction of your
camera or a memory card, etc.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss,
always copy (back up) data to other
medium.
Notes on the LCD monitor and lens
• The LCD monitor is manufactured using
extremely high-precision technology so
over 99.99% of the pixels are operational
for effective use. However, there may be
some tiny black points and/or bright
points (white, red, blue or green in color)
that constantly appear on the LCD
monitor. These points are normal in the
manufacturing process and do not affect
the images in any way.
• Do not expose the camera to direct
sunlight. If sunlight is focused on a
nearby object, it may cause a fire. When
you must place the camera under direct
sunlight, attach the lens cap.
• Images may trail across on the LCD
monitor in a cold location. This is not a
malfunction. When turning on the camera
in a cold location, the LCD monitor may
become temporarily dark. When the
camera warms up, the monitor will
function normally.
• Do not press against the LCD monitor.
The monitor may be discolored and that
may cause a malfunction.
Warning on copyright
Television programs, films, videotapes, and
other materials may be copyrighted.
Unauthorized recording of such materials
may be contrary to the provisions of the
copyright laws.
The pictures used in this manual
The photographs used as examples of
pictures in this manual are reproduced
images, and are not actual images shot
using this camera.
Black, white, red,
blue and green
points

10
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS.......................................... 3
Read this first ..................................................................... 5
Notes on using your camera .............................................. 9
Preparing the
camera
Checking the accessories supplied .................................. 13
Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 14
Attaching a lens ............................................................... 21
Inserting a memory card .................................................. 23
Preparing the camera ....................................................... 27
Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 29
Checking the number of recordable images .................... 33
Cleaning ........................................................................... 35
Before your
operation
Identifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 38
Front side .................................................................... 38
Rear side ..................................................................... 39
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 40
LCD monitor (Recording information display) ......... 41
Display panel .............................................................. 44
Viewfinder .................................................................. 45
Selecting a function/setting ............................................. 47
Selecting the functions on the Quick Navi screen ..... 48
Shooting images Shooting with the automatic setting .................... 49
Exposure mode ................................................................ 51
Shooting with Program auto .................................. 51
Shooting with Aperture priority ............................ 53
Shooting with Shutter speed priority ...................... 54
Shooting with Manual exposure ............................ 55
Shooting with BULB ............................................. 56
Using the
shooting function
Selecting the focus method .............................................. 58
Selecting the focus mode (Auto focus) ...................... 58
Selecting the focus area .............................................. 60
Shooting with focus-lock ........................................... 61
AF illuminator ............................................................ 62
Shooting with Manual focus ...................................... 62
Shooting with Direct manual focus ............................ 63
Switching the AF/MF easily ...................................... 64

11
Using a flash (not supplied) ............................................. 65
Selecting the flash mode ............................................ 66
Shooting with Slow Sync ........................................... 67
Shooting with High Speed Sync (HSS) ..................... 67
Using a flash equipped with a flash sync terminal cord
............................................................................ 68
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Metering, Exposure,
Flash compensation) ................................................... 69
Selecting the Metering mode ..................................... 69
Compensating the exposure ....................................... 70
Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock) ................ 71
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 73
Setting ISO ...................................................................... 74
Adjusting the color tones (White balance) ...................... 75
Auto/Preset white balance .......................................... 75
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect ......... 76
Custom white balance ................................................ 77
Image processing ............................................................. 79
Using the D-Range Optimizer .................................... 79
Using the Creative Style ............................................. 80
Selecting the drive mode ................................................. 83
Shooting single shot ................................................... 83
Shooting continuously ................................................ 84
Using the self-timer .................................................... 85
Shooting with Exposure bracket ................................ 85
Shooting with the white balance bracket
............................................................................ 87
Shooting with the DRO advanced bracket ................. 87
Shooting with the mirror lockup function .................. 87
Shooting with the Remote Commander ..................... 88
Using the preview function ............................................. 89
Registering your own settings ......................................... 91
Using the viewing
function
Playing back images ........................................................ 92
Checking the information of recorded images ................ 97
Deleting images (Delete) ................................................. 99
Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 101

12
Using the menu Menu function list .......................................................... 105
Recording menu 1 ................................................... 107
Recording menu 2 ................................................... 110
Recording menu 3 ................................................... 112
Recording menu 4 ................................................... 114
Custom menu 1 ......................................................... 116
Custom menu 2 ......................................................... 118
Custom menu 3 ......................................................... 121
Playback menu 1 ..................................................... 123
Playback menu 2 ..................................................... 126
Setup menu 1 ............................................................ 127
Setup menu 2 ............................................................ 129
Setup menu 3 ............................................................ 131
Setup menu 4 ............................................................ 134
Viewing images
on a computer
Copying images to your computer ................................ 137
Viewing images on your computer ................................ 141
Using the software ......................................................... 145
Printing images Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge
compliant printer ...................................................... 152
Others Specifications ................................................................ 157
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 160
Warning messages ......................................................... 167
Precautions .................................................................... 170
Index .............................................................................. 172

Preparing the camera
13
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 NP-
FM500H (1)
• Wireless Remote Commander
(Remote Commander) (1)
• Remote Commander clip (1)
• USB cable (1)
• Video cable (1)
• Shoulder strap (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• Accessory shoe cap (1) (Attached
on the camera)
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• CD-ROM (Application Software
for αcamera) (1)
• Instruction Manual (This manual)
(1)

14
Preparing the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-
FM500H “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.
About charging time
• Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a
temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as follows.
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the
battery back or charging conditions.
Charging the battery pack
1Insert the battery pack on the
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
2Connect the power cord (mains
lead).
Light on: Charging
Light off: Normal charge completed
One hour after the lamp is turned off: Full
charge completed
Full charge Normal charge
Approx. 235 min. Approx. 175 min.
CHARGE lamp
To a wall outlet
(wall socket)

Preparing the camera
15
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of
between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently
charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range.
Notes
• Connect the battery charger to an easily accessible wall outlet (wall socket) close by.
• Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the
AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If
some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power
by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).
• When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall
outlet (wall socket), and remove the battery pack from the battery charger. If you
leave the charged battery pack on the charger, battery life may be decreased.
• Do not charge any battery pack other than the “InfoLITHIUM” M series battery
pack in the battery charger (supplied) with your camera. Batteries other than the
specified kind may leak, overheat, or explode if you attempt to charge them, posing a
risk of injury from electrocution and burns.
• When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery
pack other than the specified type has been installed. Check that the battery pack is
the specified type. If the battery pack is the specified type, remove the battery pack,
replace it with new one or another one and check if the battery charger operates
correctly. If the battery charger operates correctly, a battery error may have
occurred.
• If the battery charger is dirty, charging may not be performed successfully. Clean the
battery charger with dry cloth, etc.
To use your camera abroad — Power sources
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-VQ900AM
AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied) in any country or region where the
power supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially
available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the
wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
Note
• Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a
malfunction.

16
Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the
world.
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
Asia
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)
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
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
17
Oceania
North America
Central America
South America
Middle East
Africa
Singapore 230 50 BF
Taiwan 110 60 A
Thailand 220 50 C/BF
Vietnam 220 50 A/C
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Australia 240 50 O
New Zealand 230/240 50 O
Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type
Canada 120 60 A
USA 120 60 A
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
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
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
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

18
To remove the battery pack
Inserting the charged battery pack
1While sliding the battery cover
open lever, open the battery
cover.
2Firmly insert the battery pack all
the way while pressing the lock
lever with the tip of the battery.
Lock lever
3Close the battery cover.
Turn off the camera and slide the lock
lever in the direction of the arrow. Be
careful not to drop the battery pack.
Lock lever

Preparing the camera
19
To check the remaining battery level
Set the power switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor. The
level is indicated with the percent figures, in addition to the following
indicators.
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, NP-
FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used.
The number of images that can be recorded
The approximate number of images that can be recorded is 880 when you
use the camera with the battery pack at full capacity.
Note that the actual numbers may be less than those indicated depending on
the conditions of use, the attached lens, or the memory card.
• The number is calculated with a battery pack at full capacity and in the
following situation:
– At an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F).
– [Quality] is set to [Fine].
– Focus mode is set to AF-A (Automatic AF).
– Shooting once every 30 seconds.
– The power turns on and off once every ten times.
Battery level
“Battery
exhausted”
High Low You cannot shoot
any more pictures.

20
• The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard.
(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)
• The battery capacity decreases as the number of uses increases and also
over time.
• The number of images that can be recorded is decreased under the
following conditions:
– The surrounding temperature is low.
– The camera has been turned on and off many times.
– Focus mode is set to AF-C (Continuous AF).
– When the camera continues to focus for a long time without shooting,
including cases where you press and hold the shutter button halfway
down.
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. We
recommend the following to ensure longer battery pack use: 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.
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.