Sony SLT-A35 User manual

_o
Interchangeable Lens
Digital Camera 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
Others
index
,., uo_ ol
Additional infbrmation on this product and ]
answers to f]cequently asked questions can be
iound at our Customer Support Website.
http://www.sony.net/
Printed using VOC (\¢)latile Organic
Compound) fl'ee vegetable oil based ink.
© 2011 Sony Corporation Printed in Thailand IIIIIIIIIIIIIII
4281650110

With a flash that has a wireless shooting function (sold separately), you can
shoot with the flash without a cord, even when the flash is not attached to
the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you call shoot all image
with a three dimensional feel by highlighting the contrast of light and
shadow' on the subject.
For the actual steps of shooting, refer to the operating instructions of the
flash.
1AttachthewirelessflashtotheAuto-lockAccessoryshoeand
turnboththecameraandtheflashon.
2 Fnbutton--+ $(FlashMode)--+ _(Wireless)
3 RemovethewirelessflashfromtheAuto-lockAccessoryshoe
andpopupthebuilt-inflash.
• If you pert_rm it test fire of the flash, press the AEL button.
Notes
• The camera cannot carr_ out the wireless lighting ratio control.
• Turn off the wireless flash mode afler wireless flash shooting. If the built-in flash is
used while the wireless flash mode is still active, inaccurate flash exposures will
result.
• Change the channel of the external flash when another photographer is using a
wireless flash nearby and his/her built-in flash light causes your external flash to fire.
To change the channel of the external flash, rellzr to the operating instructions
supplied with it.
Setupof the AELbutton
When using a wireless flash, it is recommended that you set [AEL button]
to [AEL hold] in the _ Custom menu (page 148).
102

Adjustingthe brightnessof the image
(Exposure,Flashcompensation,
Metering)
When shooting into the stm o1"by a window, the exposure may not be
appropriate for the subject because of the big difference ill lighting between
the subject and the backgrotmd. [n such cases, use the light meter where the
subject is bright enough and lock the exposure before shooting. To reduce
the brightness of the subject, point the camera forwards a spot that is
brighter thau the subject and use the light meter to lock the exposure of the
entire image. To make the subject brighter, point the camera forwards a
spot that is darker than the subject and use the light meter to lock the -_.
exposure of the entire image.
This section describes how' to shoot a brighter image of the subject using _="
the [] (Spot). _-
The spot where you
lock the exposure. _,
n,
o
1Fnbutton--, [] (MeteringMode)--, [] (Spot)
2 Adjustthefocusontheportionyouwanttolocktheexposure.
The exposure is set when the focus is achieved.
103

3PresstheAELbuttontolockthe
exposure.
"g" (AE lock mark) appears.
AEL button
I.I ,,.o ...... I I
4WhilepressingtheAELbutton,focusonthesubject,andshoot
thesubject.
• If you continue to shoot with the same exposure value, press and hold the
AEL button after the shooting. The setting is canceled when the button is
released.
Except for exposure mode M, the exposure is automatically selected
(Automatic exposure).
Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, you call
perform exposure compensation by shifting the exposure to either the +
side or the - side, depending on your preference. You can make the entire
image brighter by shifting to the + side. The entire image becomes darker
when you shift it to the - side.
Adjust in the - Baseexposure Adjust in the +
direction direction
104

1Pressthe[] button. [] button
2 Adjusttheexposurewiththe
controldial.
Toward + (over): Brightens an image.
Toward (under): Darkens an image. .......i!i!i!i!i!.......!!!!!.......i!i!i!i!i!.......
11125 F3.5 -_.,_'1,,2. _
Standard exposure
3 Adjustthefocusandshootthesubject.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.....
=
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==
--,-.
• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.
• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure _"
shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 121).
Note =
•This item cmmot be set vvrhenthe exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene
Selection.
Toshootwhilecheckingthescreenusingthehistogram
The histogram displays the luminance
distribution that shows how' many pixels
of a particular brightness exist in the
picture. _ iiiii!i!i!!!!!!!!!!_!
Dark Light
105

MENUbutton--, _2--, [Histogram]--, [On]
• [nstead of the Graphic Display, the histograru is displayed after you press
DISP on the control button several tirues.
The exposure compensation will change
the histogram accordingly. The right
illustration is all example.
Shooting with the exposure
compensation on the positive side
brightens the whole picture, making the
entire histogram shift to the bright side
(right side). If the exposure compensation
is applied on the negative side, the
histogram will shift to the other side.
Both ends of the histogram show' a high-
key or low-key portiom You cannot
restore these areas with a computer later.
Adjust the exposure if necessary and
shoot again.
Holes
• The histogram does not indic_te the final recorded im_ge. It iudic_tes the condition
of the image just monitored on the screen. The histogram will difllzr based on
aperture setting, etc.
• The histogram dif[izrs between shooting and playback in the following situations:
When firing the flash.
When the subject has low intensity, such as night scenery.
When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light
alone, without changing the exposure compensation. You can only change
the exposure of a main subject which is within the flash range.
106

Fnbutton--+ [] (FlashCompensation)--+Selectthedesired
setting
Toward +: Makes the tqash level higher.
Toward : Makes the tlash level lower.
Roles
• This item cannot be set when tile exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep
Panorama, Scene Selection, or Pictm'e Effect.
• The higher flash eflect may not be visible due to the limited amount nf flash light, if
the subject is outside the maximum range of tile flash, lfthe subject is very close, the
lower flash ef[_ct may not be visible.
Exposure compensalion and flash compensalion
Exposure compensation changes tile shutter speed, aperture, and 1SO sensiti'vity (when
[AUTO] is selected) to perform tile compensation.
Flash compensation only changes the amount of flash light.
MENUbutton--_ a 2--_ [Flashcontrol]--_ Selectthedesired
setting
ADI flash This method controls the lighting of the tqash, factoring in tile
focus distance inlormation and light metering data frnm tile
preqlash. This method enables an accurate tqash
compensation with virtually no effect frnm the reflection nff
the suhject.
Pro-flash TTL This method controls tile amount of llash light depending on
the data only from pre-tqash light metering. This methnd is
susceptible to tile reflection nff the subject.
ADI: Advanced Distance [ntegration
TTL: Through the lens
• When [ADI flash] is selected, using a lens that is provided with a distance
encoder feature can perform more accurate flash compensation by using
more accurate distance information.
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107

Notes
• When the distance between the subject and the external flash (sold separately)
cannot be determined (wireless flash shooting using an external flash (sold
separately), shooting with an off-camera l]ash using a cable, shooting with a macro
twin flash, etc.), the camera automatically selects Pre-flash TTL mode.
• Select [Pre-flash TTL] in the following cases, as the camera cammt perli)rm flash
compensations with AD1 flash.
A wide panel is attached to the HVL-F36AM flash.
A diffuser is used for flash shouting.
A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used.
A close-up lens is used.
• AD1 flash is only available in combination with a lens that is provided with a
distance eucoder. To determine if the lens is equipped with a distance eucoder, reflzr
to the operating instructions supplied with the lens.
Fnbutton---,_(MeteringMode)---,Selectthedesiredmode
(Multi segment) This mode measures light on each area al:er dividing the total
area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure
of the entire screen.
IZ_l(Center weighted) While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this mode
measures the average brightness of the entire screen.
[] (Spot) This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle
located in the center area.
• Use [Multi segment] metering for general shooting.
• When there is a high contrast subject in the AF area, measure the light of
the subject you want to shoot with the optimal exposure using the spot
metering function and take advantage of an AE lock shooting (page 103),
Note
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO. AUTO+. Scene Selection, or Picture
Effi_ct. [Metering Mode] is fixed to [Multi segment] and you cannot select other
modes.
108

Setting ISO
Sensitivity to light is expressed by the [SO number (recommended
exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.
1PressISOonthecontrolbuttonto
displaytheISOscreen.
2 Selectthedesiredsettingwith,L_ onthecontrolbutton.
•The larger the number, the higher the noise level.
• If you select [Multi Frame NR], select the desired value with 411_. e'-
€/a
Rotes _-
• When tile exposure mode is set to AUTO. AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, Scene _.
Selection. or Piclure Effect, 1SO is lixed to AUTO and you cannol select other 1SO
nl.n nl3el's. _i
• When tile exposure mode is set to P/A/S and IS() is set to [AUTO], IS() is
automatically set between ISO 100 and ISO 1600. _"
• Tile [AUTO] setting is nol provided in exposure mode M. If you change the
exposure mode to M with file [AUTO] setting, it is switched lo [100]. Set the 1SO
according to your shooting conditions.
Multiframenoisereduction(MultiFrameNR)
The camera automatically shoots multiple images continuously, combines
the images, reduces the noise, and records one image. In Multi Frame NR,
you can select larger [SO numbers than the maximum [SO sensitivity.
The image recorded is one combined image.
Roles
• Press and hold the shutter Button until the continuous shooting stops.
• When [linage: Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], this function cannot be
used.
• The flash, D-Range optimizer, and [Auto HDR] cannot be used.
109

Compensatingforthe brightnessand
contrastautomatically(D-Range)
D-RANGEbutton--+ Selectthe
desiredsetting D-RANGE button
(O|l) Does not use the DRO/Auto HDR flmctions.
(D- By dividing the image into small areas, the camera analyses
RangeOptimizer) the contrast of light and shadow between the subject and the
background, producing the image with the optimal brightness
and gradation.
(Auto HDR) Shoots three images with different exposures, and then
overlays correctly exposed image, the bright areas of an
under exposed image and the dark areas of an over exposed
image to create an image with rich gradation.
Two images are recorded: an image with the correct exposure
and an overlaid image.
Note
• You can assign another function to Ihe [)-RANGE button <page 149). If you have
already assigned another function to it, select [DRO/Aulo HDR] using lhe Fn bulton.
110

1D-RANGEbutton--+ NNI (D-RangeOptimizer)
2Selectanoptimallevelwith_1/1_onthecontrolbutton.
(Auto) Corrects the brightness automatically.
(Level)* Optimizes the gradations of a recorded image in each area of
the image. Select the optimal level between Lvl (weak) and
Lv5 (strong).
':' Lv displayed with _ is the step curremly selected.
Noles
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• The setting is lixed to [O11] whell [SLnlsel], [Night View], [Night Pnrlrait], or [Hand- _-
held Twilight] is selected in Scene Selection. The setting is fixed to [Auto] when
o(her modes are selected ill Scene Selection. _"
• The seUing is fixed to [Auto] when the Piclure Effect mode is activated, o..
• When shonling with Ihe D-Range optimizer, the image may be nnisy. Select the '_=
proper level by checking the recnrded image, especially when you enhance the _"
effect. N"
1D-RANGEbutton--+ _(AutoHDR)
2Selectanoptimallevelwith_1/1_onthecontrolbutton.
111

(Auto Exposure Corrects the expnsure dif[brence automatically.
Dill.)
(Exposure Sets the expnsure diflerence, based on the contrast nt"the
Difference Level)* subject. Select the nptimal level between 1.0Ev (weak) and
6.0Ev (strong).
For example: When 2.0Ev is selected, three images are
overlaid: an image with 1.0Ev, an image with the correct
exposure, and an image with +l.0Ev.
Ev displayed with _ is the step currently selected.
•Since the shutter is released three times for one shot, be careful about the
following:
- Use this function when the subject is motionless or does not blink.
- Do not recompose.
Roles
• You cannot use this function nn RAW images.
• When the expnsure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, Scene
Selection, or Picture Effect, ynu cannot select [Auto HDR].
• Ynu cannot select [Auto HDR] during Smile Shutter. If you turn on the Smile
Shutter fnnctinn with [Auto HDR] selected, the camera will tempnrarily use with the
DRO setting.
• You canm)t start the next shoot until the capture process is completed al:er ynu
shoot.
• Ynu may nnt obtain a desired eflect depending nn the luminance diftbrence of a
subject and the shooting conditions.
• When the flash is used, this ftmction has little eflect.
• When the contrast nf the scene is low or when camera shake nr subject blur is
occurred, yon may not obtain good HDR images. If the camera has detected a
problem, _lq is indicated nn the recorded image to inform you nf this situation.
Shoot again, as necessary, paying attentinn tn the contrast nr blur.
112

Imageprocessing
In addition to the desired image processing, you call adjust the exposure
(shutter speed and aperture) as you like with [Creative Style], unlike Scene
Selection where the camera adjusts the exposure. You call fine-tune the
contrast, saturation, or sharpness on each item of Creative Style.
1Fnbutton--4 _ (CreativeStyle)--4 Selectthedesired
setting
2 Whenyouwanttoadjust_(Contrast),_(Saturation),or[]
(Sharpness),selectthedesireditemwith_1/1_onthecontrol
button,thenadjustthevaluewithA/v.
÷(Standard) For shooting various scenes wilh rich gradation and beautit'ul
colors.
(Vivid) The saluralion and contrasl are heighlened [k)l"shooting
striking images ol colort'ul scenes and subjecls such as
flowers, spring greenery, blue sky or ocean views.
(Portrait) For shooling the skin color in a sot'l tone, ideally suited to
shooling portraits.
(Landscape) The saluralion, contrast, and sharpness are heightened [k>r
shooling vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also
stand oul more.
(Sunset) For shooling the beautit'ul red of"the setting sun.
(Black & For shooling images in black and while monolone.
White)
113

(]p (Contrast), _ (Saturation), and [][] (Sharpness) call be adjusted for each
Creative Style item.
() (Contrast) The higher the value selected, the mnre the difflzrence of light
and shadow is accentuated, thus making an impact on an
image.
O(Saturation) The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When
a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained
and subdned.
[][] (Sharpness) Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the
more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value
selected, the more the coutnurs are softened.
Holes
• When the exposure mnde is set tn AUTO, AUTO+, Scene Selection, or Picture
Efflzct, [Creative Style] is fixed to [Standard] and you cannot select other settings.
• When [Black & White] is selected, you cannot adjust the saturation.
The way colors are represented with combinations of numbers or the range
of color reproduction is called "color space." You can change the color
space, depending on your purpose.
MENUbutton--* a2--* [ColorSpace]--* Selectthedesired
setting
sRGB This is the standard color space of the digital camera. Use
sRGB in normal shooting, such as when ynu intend tn print
nut the images without any modificatinn.
AdobeRGB This has a wide range of colnr reproduction. When a large
part of the subject is vivid green or red, Adobe RGB is
effective.
• The file name of the image starts with " [)SC."
Holes
• Adobe RGB is for applications or printers that support color management and
DCF2.0 option color space. Using some applications or printers that do not support
them may result in or print images that do not laithfillly reproduce the color.
• When displaying images that were recorded with Adobe RGB on the camera or non-
Adobe RGB=compliaut devices, the images are displayed with low satm'atiou.
114

Adjustingthe colortones(Whitebalance)
The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of
the light source. The table below' show's how' the color tone changes based
on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under
the sunlight.
,o?C__ t|C_i While Bluish G....... linged Reddish
White balance is a feature that adjusts the color tone to approximate what
you see. Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out ,'-
as you expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for _"
photographic expression. _.
Notes _"
• When lhe exposure mode is set lo AUTO AUTO+ or Scene Seleclion, [While
Balance] is fixed to [Auto WB] and you calmot selecl olher modes. ,_=
• If the only light source available is a mercury lamp or a sodium lamp, the camera _"
will not be able lo acquire the accurate while balance because of the characteristics _€_
of the light source. Use the flash in such cases. _"
WBonthecontrolbutton--, Select
thedesiredsetting
• When [AWB] is not selected, you can
fine tune the color tone with '_/_'.
Adjusting it toward + turns the image
reddish and adjusting it toward - turns
the image bluish.
115

AWB (Auto WB)
_:_(Daylight)
_(Shade)
(Cloudy)
=_ (Incandescent)
_(Fluorescent)
(Flash)
The camera automatically detects alight som'ce and adjusts
the color tones.
If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the color
tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance).
• Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color
ill the selected option (page 122).
• When you select [5500K] (Color Temp.) or [0] (Color Filter), you can
adjust the value to the desired value (below').
• When you select [Custom], you can register your setting (page 117).
WBonthecontrolbutton--,
[5500K](ColorTemp.)or [0] (Color
Filter)
• To set the color temperature, select the
value with '_11_.
• To set the color filter, select the
compensation direction with '_11_.
Nole
• Since color meters are designed for film cameras, the values difler under fluorescent/
sodium lamp/mercury lamps. We recommend that you use the custom white balance
or dn a test shooting.
116

5500K *_(Color Sets the white halance by the color temperature. The higher
Tenlp.) the number, the more reddish the image and the lower the
number, the more bluish the image.
0*2(Color Filter) Achieves the eflcct of CC (Color Compensation) filters lot
photography.
Based on using the set color temperature as the standard, the
color can be compensated to G (Green) or M (Magenta).
':'l The value is the color lemperalure vahle currently selected.
':'2 The value is the color liller value currently selecled.
h,ascenewheretheamU,ent,,_htcons,st_o_mu,t,p,etypeso_,,_htsource,
use of custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately ...................................
) )
reproduce the whiteness.
IWBonthecontrolbutton--,
_.,,._(Custom) ®
2 Select[_-._SET]with</1_onthecontrolbutton,thenpressthe
centerofthecontrolbutton.
3 HoldthecamerasothatthewhiteareafullycoverstheAFarea
locatedinthecenter,andthenpresstheshutterbuttondown.
The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (ColorTemperature and Color
filter) are displayed.
4Pressthecenterofthecontrolbutton.
The monitor returns to the recording int_rmation display with the memorized
custom white balance setting retained.
•The custom white balance setting registered in this operation is effective
until a new setting is registered.
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117

Role
• The message "Custom WB error" indicates that the value is beyond the expected
range. (When the flash is used (m a subject in close proximity or a subject with a
bright color is in the fl'ame.) If you register this value, the t_a,_ indicator turns yellow
on the recording information display. You can shoot at this point, but it is
recommended that you set the white balance again to get a more correct white
balance value.
Tocallthecustomwhitebalancesetting
WBonthe controlbutton--,
,_,=_(Custom)
R01e
• If the flash is used when the shutter button is pressed, a custom white balance is
registered with the flash light taken into account. Take pictures with the flash in later
shootings.
118

Selectingthe drivemode
This camera has six drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and
continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose.
This mode is for normal shooting.
e2)/_ onthecontrolbutton--,
[] (Single-shotAdv.)
Note
•When the exposure mode is sel 1o [Sports Action] in Scene Selection, you cannol
shool single shot.
1--
g
The camera records the images continuously at the following speeds*. _"
=
IZ_ Hi Maximum 5.5 images per second _.
E_Lo Max mmn 2.5 images per second =
* Our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting is slower,
depending on shooting conditions.
16_)/_ onthecontrolbutton--,
(Continuousadv.)--, Select
thedesiredspeed
2 Adjustthefocusandshootthesubject.
•When you press and hold the shutter button, the recording continues.
119

The maximum number of continuousshots
The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has all upper limit.
Tele-zoom Continuous
Continuousadv. AdvancePriorityAE
Fine 14 images 21 images
Standard 18 images 29 images
RAW & JPEG 6images
RAW 6 images
• To shoot continuously faster, set the exposure mode to Tele-zoom
Continuous Advance Priority AE (page 72).
Noles
• When i2_Hi is selected, the image recorded between the fl'ames is displayed.
• You cannot shoot continuously wizen using Scene Selection modes other than
[Sports Action].
• Wizen [Face Detection] is set to [On], the speed of continuous shooting may be
slower.
The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer appears in a
photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient to reduce the camera shake.
1®/_ onthecontrolbutton
(Self-timer)--+Selectthe
desiredsetting
• The number after _ is the number of
seconds that is currently selected.
2 Adjustthefocusandshootthesubject.
• When the self-timer is activated, audio signals and the self-timer lamp
indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio
signal sounds quickly right before the shooting.
120