Sony DSLR-A280 User manual

DSLR-A280 4-164-661-11 (1)
Printed 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-A280
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

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-A280
Serial No. __________________________
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.
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.
WARNING
Caution

3
• 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).
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.
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.
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.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
and Canada
For Customers in the U.S.A.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSLR-A280
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.

4
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.
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.
For Customers in Europe

5
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.
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-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.

6
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.
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom

7
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.
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

8
Table of Contents
Notes on using your camera .............................................. 7
Preparing the
camera
Checking the accessories supplied .................................. 11
Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 12
Attaching a lens ............................................................... 18
Inserting a memory card .................................................. 20
Preparing the camera ....................................................... 23
Using the accessories supplied ........................................ 25
Checking the number of recordable images .................... 27
Cleaning ........................................................................... 29
Before your
operation
Identifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 32
Front side .................................................................... 32
Rear side ..................................................................... 33
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 34
Switching the recording information display (DISP)
............................................................................ 35
LCD monitor (Graphic Display) ................................ 36
LCD monitor (Standard Display) ............................... 38
Viewfinder .................................................................. 40
Selecting a function/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 images Shooting an image without camera shake ....................... 45
Correct posture ........................................................... 45
Using the SteadyShot function ................................... 46
Using a tripod ............................................................. 47
/ Shooting with the automatic setting............... 48
Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene
Selection) .................................................................... 51
Taking portrait photos .......................................... 52
Taking landscape photos ...................................... 53
Taking small-subject photos ................................ 54
Taking moving-subject photos ............................. 55
Taking sunset photos ........................................... 56
Taking night view photos .................................... 57

9
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 58
Shooting with program auto .................................. 60
Shooting by controlling the blur of the background
(Aperture priority) ............................................. 61
Shooting a moving subject with various expressions
(Shutter speed priority) ..................................... 63
Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually
(Manual exposure) ............................................ 65
Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) .......... 67
Using the
shooting function
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
Adjusting 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 suit a specific light source
(Auto/Preset white balance) .............................. 83
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) .. 84

10
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
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
Using the viewing
function
Playing back images ........................................................ 94
Checking the information of recorded images ................ 98
Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 101
Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 102
Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 104
Changing your
setup
Setting image size and image quality ............................ 108
Setting the method for recording on a memory 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
Viewing images
on a computer
Copying images to your computer ................................ 121
Viewing images on your computer ................................ 125
Using the software ......................................................... 129
Printing images Specifying DPOF ........................................................... 135
Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge
compliant printer ...................................................... 137
Others Specifications ................................................................ 140
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 144
Warning messages ......................................................... 153
Precautions .................................................................... 156
Index .............................................................................. 158

Preparing the camera
11
Preparing the camera
Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
• BC-VH1 Battery charger (1)
• 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 (1)
• Eyepiece cover (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the
camera)
• CD-ROM (Application Software
for αcamera) (1)
• Quick Start Guide (1)
• Instruction Manual (This manual)
(1)

12
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.
Charging the battery pack
1Insert the battery pack on the
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.

Preparing the camera
13
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.
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.
2Connect 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
For customers in the U.S.A. and
Canada
For customers in countries/regions
other than the U.S.A. and Canada
Full charge Normal charge
Approx. 265 min. Approx. 205 min.
CHARGE lamp
Plug
To the wall
outlet (wall
socket)
CHARGE lamp
Power cord
(mains lead)

14
• 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 a battery error or that a battery 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
a 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.
• 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 (50°F to 86°F).
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” H 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.
• 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.

Preparing the camera
15
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

16
To check the remaining battery level
Set the power switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
Battery level
“Battery
exhausted”
High Low You cannot shoot
any more pictures.

Preparing the camera
17
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.

18
Attaching a lens
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 a lens, do not press the lens release button.
• Do not use force when attaching a lens.
1Remove 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. Packaging lid
2Mount the lens by aligning the
orange index marks on the lens
and camera.
Orange index marks
3Turn the lens clockwise until it
clicks into the locked position.
Body cap

Preparing the camera
19
To remove the lens
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 30).
1Press the lens release button all
the way in and turn the lens
counterclockwise until it stops.
Lens release button
2Replace 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.

20
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.
1Open the memory card cover.
2Insert “Memory Stick PRO Duo”
media or an SD memory card.
• Insert the memory card until it clicks as
illustrated.
Face side (SD memory card)
Terminal part
3Select the type of memory card
you want to use using the memory
card switch.
Terminal part
Face side (“Memory Stick PRO
Duo”)