Sony DSLR-A230 User manual

SONY:
4-140-596-11 (1)
Shooting images
•
a230
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
Instruction Manual
DSLR-A230
..............................................................................................•
Using the shooting
function
..................................................................................................•
Using the viewing
function
Changing your setup •
..................................................................................................
Viewing images on a
computer .
...................................................................................................
Printing images
LV InfoLiTHIU1J'! m
SERIES
MEMDRY STICK TM
©2009 Sony Corporation

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-A230
Serial No. _
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
2
IM PO RT ANT 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.
Battery pack
If the battery pack is mishandled, the
battery pack can burst, cause afire
or even
chemical bums. Observe the following
cautions.
•Do not disassemble.
•Do not crush and do not expose the
battery pack
to any shock orforce 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 acar 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 adevice
that can charge the battery pack.

•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.
UL is an internationally recognized safety
organization.
This product has received UL Listing.
Battery charger
Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the
battery chargeris 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).
If you have any questions about this
product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Services
Center
1-800-222-S0NY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related
matters only.
Regulatory Information
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
qperate this equipment.
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-A230
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics
Inc.
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,
San
Dieg<J, CA 92127 U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
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.
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 Bdigital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
Caution: Do not handle damaged or
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
For more information regarding recycling
of rechargeable batteries, call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://
www.rbrc.org/
3

Note:
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for aClass B
digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed
to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in aresidential 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 aparticular
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 acircuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced
radiorrV technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used
with the equipment in order to comply with
the limits for adigital device pursuant to
Subpart B
of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
4
;;IIII,lill,III!lllllli'l~i
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 3meters (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.
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 apermanent connection with an
incorporated battery, this battery should be
replaced by qualified service staffonly.
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.
5

Amoulded 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, afuse of the same rating as the
supplied one and approved by ASTAor
BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an ~ or
~ mark) must be used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has
adetachable 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.
6

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 amalfunction
of your
camera
or amemory 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.
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 25°C (77°F), and using a
fully charged battery pack.
Black, white, red,
blue and green
points
•Do not expose the camera to direct
sunlight.
If sunlight is focused on a
nearby object, it may cause afire. When
you must place the camera under direct
sunlight, attach the lens cap.
•Images may trail across on the LCD
monitor in acold location. This is not a
malfunction. When turning on the camera
in acold 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 amalfunction.
7

Table of Contents
Notes on using your camera 7
Preparing the
camera
Before your
operation
Shooting images
8
Checking the accessories supplied 11
Preparing the battery pack 12
Attaching alens ~ 18
Inserting amemory card 20
Preparing the camera
~ 23
Using the accessories supplied 25
Checking the number
of recordable images 27
Cleaning 29
Identifying parts and screen indicators 32
Front side 32
Rear side 33
SideslBottom 34
Switching the recording information display (DISP)
............................................................................ 35
LCD monitor (Graphic Display) 36
LCD monitor (Standard Display) 38
Viewfinder 40
Selecting afunction/setting
41
The functions selected by the Control button 42
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button 43
The functions selected by the MENU button 43
Shooting an image without camera shake 45
Correct posture 45
Using the SteadyShot function 46
Using atripod 47
ri.ID1!l I(!j) Shooting with the automatic setting 48
Shooting with asuitable setting for the subject (Scene
Selection)
51
~ Taking portrait photos 52
[ji] Taking landscape photos 53
~ Taking small-subject photos 54
~ Taking moving-subject photos 55
~ Taking sunset photos 56
I:2l Taking night view photos 57

Using the
shooting function
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 58
PShooting with program auto 60
AShooting by controlling the blur of the background
(Aperture priority) 61
SShooting amoving subject with various expressions
(Shutter speed priority) 63
MShooting with the exposure adjusted manually
(Manual exposure) 65
MShooting trails with long exposure (BULB) 67
Selecting the focus method 69
Using autofocus 69
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)
............................................................................
71
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the
subject (Autofocus mode) 72
Selecting the focus area (AF area) 73
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus) 74
Using the flash 75
Performing wireless flash shooting 78
Adj~sting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash
compensation, Metering) 79
Using brightness compensation for the entire image
(Exposure compensation) 79
Adjusting the amount
of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 80
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a
subject (Metering mode) 81
Setting ISO 82
Adjusting the color tones (White balance)
83
Adjusting the white balance to suitaspecific light source
(AutolPreset white balance)
83
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) .. 84
9

Using the viewing
function
Changing your
setup
Viewing images
on a computer
Printing images
Others
Image processing 86
Correcting the brightness
of the image (D-Range
Optimizer) 86
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
............................................................................ 86
Changing the range
of color reproduction (Color Space)
............................................................................ 88
(9/ Q!J Selecting the drive mode 89
Shooting single shot 89
Shooting continuously 89
Using the self-timer
~ 90
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure
bracket)
91
Shooting with the Remote Commander 93
Playing back images :94
Checking the information
of recorded images 98
Protecting images (Protect) 101
Deleting images (Delete) 102
Viewing images on aTV screen 104
Setting image size and image quality 108
Setting the method for recording on amemory card 110
Changing the noise reduction setting 112
Changing the functions
of the control dial 113
Changing other settings 114
Setting the LCD monitor 116
Confirming the version
of the camera 118
Resetting to the default 119
Copying images to your computer
121
Viewing images on your computer 125
Using the software 129
Specifying DPOF
135
Printing images by connecting the camera to aPictBridge
compliant printer
137
Specifications 140
Troubleshooting 144
Warning messages
153
Precautions 156
Index II ••• I •••••••• I •••••• I ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I •••••••••••••••• 158
10

Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
•BC-VH1Battery charger (1) •Body cap (1) (Attached on the
camera)
-•
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::::!.
•Power cord (mains lead) (1) (not
supplied in the U.S.A. and
Canada)
•Rechargeable battery pack NP-
FH50 (1)
•USB cable (1)
•Shoulder strap
(I)
•Eyepiece cover (1)
-
•Eyecup (1) (Attached on the ~
camera) ~
•CD-ROM (Application Software i-
for acamera) (1) I»
•Quick Start Guide (1)
•Instruction Manual (This manual)
(1)
11

Preparing the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FH50
"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.
1 Insert the battery pack on the
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
12

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To the wall
outlet (wall
socket)
CHARGE lamp
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For customers in countries/regions I»
other than the U.S.A. and Canada
For customers in the U.S.A. and
Canada
2 Connect the battery charger to the
wall outlet (wall socket).
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 afully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a
temperature
of 25°C (77°F) is as follows.
Full charge
Normal charge
Approx. 265 min.
Approx. 205 min.
•The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the
battery back
or charging conditions.
When the CHARGE lamp flashes
•The CHARGE lamp of the supplied battery charger flashes in either way:
-Fast flashing: Turns the light on and
off repeatedly at the interval of
0.15 seconds.
-Slow flashing: Turns the light on and
off repeatedly at the interval of
1.5 seconds.
13

•When the CHARGE lamp flashes fast, remove the battery pack being
charged, and then insert the same battery pack into the battery charger
securely again. When the CHARGE lamp flashes fast again, this may
indicate abattery error or that abattery pack other than the specified type
has been inserted. Check that the battery pack is the specified type.
If the
battery pack is the specified type, remove the battery pack, replace it with
anew one or another one and check
if the battery charger operates
correctly.
If the battery charger operates correctly, abattery error may
have occurred.
•When the CHARGE lamp flashes slowly, it indicates that the battery
charger stops charging temporarily on standby. The battery charger stops
charging and enters the standby status automatically when the
temperature is outside
of the recommended operating temperature. When
the temperature gets back within the appropriate range, the battery
charger resumes charging and the CHARGE lamp lights up again. We
recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature
of
between 10°C to 30°C (500Pto 86°P).
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" Hseries 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 arisk
of
injury from electrocution and burns.
•
If the battery chargeris 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-PWIOAM
AC Adaptor (sold separately) in any country or region where the power
supply is within 100 Vto 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.
Note
•Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a
malfunction.
14

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
Tum off the camera and slide the lock
lever in the direction
of the arrow. Be
careful not to drop the battery pack.
®
LOCK lever
Lock lever
15
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To check the remaining battery level
Set the power switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor.
4
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4-
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1
4-.J1
g
"Battery
exhausted"
Battery level
You cannot shoot
High •
... Low any more pictures.
What is an "lnfoLiTHIUM" battery pack?
An "InfoLITHIUM~~ battery pack is alithium-ion battery pack that has
functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with
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 acar
or under direct
sunlight.
Available battery packs
Only an NP-FH50 battery pack can be used with the camera. Note that the
NP-FH30 and NP-FH40 cannot be used.
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 apocket 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 offfrequently.
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~ aprobable cause is that the battery pack
has reached the end
of its life. Buy anew 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.
16

How to store the battery pack
If the battery pack is not to be used for along time, fully charge it and then
fully use it up once ayear on your camera before storing the battery pack in
adry, cool place to prolong the battery life.
17
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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.
Orange index marks
3 Turn the lens clockwise until it
clicks into the locked position.
Notes
• 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.
•When attaching alens, do not press the lens release button.
•Do not use force when attaching alens.
18

To remove the lens
1 Press the lens release button all
the way in and turn the lens
counterclockwise until it stops.
•
-a
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Lens release button Q)
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2 Replace the packaging lid on the
lens and attach the body cap to
the camera.
•Before you attach them, remove dust
from them.
•When you purchase the DT
18 - 55 mm
F3.5 -5.6 SAM Lens Kit, purchase the
-Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55 also.
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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 alens.
If dust or debris lands on the image sensor
Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning mode] in the ~ Setup menu
(page 30).
19

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. AMultiMediaCard 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 meinory 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.
Terminal part
3 Select the type of memory card
you want to use using the memory
ca rd switch.
20