Sony SLT-A58 User manual

4-459-708-12(1)
SLT-A58
Interchangeable Lens
Digital Camera
Instruction Manual
A-mount
Preparing the camera
Shooting and viewing
images
Shooting images to suit
your subject
Using the shooting
functions
Using the playback
functions
Function list
Viewing images on a
computer
Others
Index

GB2
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 your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. SLT-A58
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.
• 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 packs promptly
as described in 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).
English
WARNING
CAUTION

3GB
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 and lens (if lens
supplied)
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.
CAN ICES-3 B/NMB-3 B
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 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.: SLT-A58
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 Part15 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.

GB4
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
This product has been manufactured by or
on behalf of Sony Corporation, 1-7-1
Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan.
Inquiries related to product compliance
based on European Union legislation shall
be addressed to the authorized
representative, Sony Deutschland GmbH,
Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart,
Germany. For any service or guarantee
matters, please refer to the addresses
provided in the separate service or
guarantee documents.
This product has been tested and found
compliant with the limits set out in the
EMC regulation 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

5GB
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.

GB6
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

7GB
Table of Contents
Notes on using your camera ............................................ 10
Preparing the camera
Checking the supplied items ............................................ 12
Identifying parts .............................................................. 13
Front ........................................................................... 13
Back ............................................................................ 14
Top ............................................................................. 15
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 16
Lens ............................................................................ 18
Charging the battery pack ................................................ 19
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)
..................................................................................... 21
Memory cards that you can use .................................. 23
Attaching a lens ............................................................... 24
Turning on the camera and setting the clock ................... 27
Before shooting ............................................................... 29
Adjusting the viewfinder’s visual acuity (diopter
adjustment)......................................................... 29
Holding the camera properly ...................................... 29
Shooting and viewing images
Shooting still images ....................................................... 30
Recording movies ............................................................ 32
Playing back images ........................................................ 33
Deleting images (Delete) ................................................. 34
Shooting images to suit your subject
Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen ........................... 35
Selecting a shooting mode ............................................... 36
Superior Auto .................................................. 37
Scene Selection .................................................. 38
Sweep Panorama ................................................ 39
Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE ............................. 40

GB8
Using the shooting functions
Using the flash ................................................................. 41
Adjusting the image brightness ....................................... 43
Selecting the drive mode .................................... 45
Switching the recording information display (DISP) ...... 46
Setting image size ............................................................ 47
Image Size .................................................................. 47
Panorama: Size ........................................................... 47
Using the playback functions
Enlarging images ............................................................. 48
Switching to the image list display .................................. 49
Viewing images on a TV screen ...................................... 50
Function list
Functions that can be operated using the buttons/switch
..................................................................................... 51
Selecting a function using the Fn (Function) button ....... 52
Functions that can be selected using the Fn (Function)
button ........................................................................53
Functions selected using the MENU button .................... 55
Using the guide function of the camera ........................... 62
In-Camera Guide ........................................................ 62
Shooting Tips ............................................................. 62
Viewing images on a computer
What you can do with software ....................................... 64
What you can do with “PlayMemories Home” .......... 64
What you can do with “Image Data Converter” ........ 65
Installing the software ..................................................... 66
Installing “PlayMemories Home” .............................. 66
Viewing “PlayMemories Home Help Guide” ............ 66
Installing “Image Data Converter” ............................. 67
Viewing “Image Data Converter Guide” ................... 67
Installing “Remote Camera Control” ......................... 68
Selecting the method for creating a movie disc ............... 69
Creating a disc using a computer ............................... 70
Creating a disc with a device other than a computer
............................................................................ 70

9GB
Others
List of screen icons .......................................................... 71
Functions available for each shooting mode ................... 74
Flash modes available ..................................................... 75
Learning more about the camera (αHandbook) ............. 76
Checking the number of recordable images/
recording time ............................................................ 77
Specifications .................................................................. 81
Index ...............................................................................90

GB10
Notes on using your camera
Shooting procedure
This camera has 2 modes for monitoring
subjects: an LCD screen mode using the
LCD screen, and a viewfinder mode using
the viewfinder.
Notes on the functions available with
the camera
To check whether it is a 1080 60i-
compatible device or 1080 50i-compatible
device, check for the following marks on
the bottom of the camera.
1080 60i-compatible device: 60i
1080 50i-compatible device: 50i
No compensation for recorded
content
The recorded content cannot be
compensated for if recording or playback is
not possible due to a malfunction of your
camera or memory card, etc.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the risk of data loss, always copy
(back up) data to other media.
Notes on the LCD screen, electronic
viewfinder, lens, and image sensor
• The LCD screen and electronic
viewfinder are 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 screen
and electronic viewfinder. These points
are normal in the manufacturing process
and do not affect the images in any way.
• Do not hold the camera by the LCD
screen.
• Do not expose the camera to sunlight or
shoot toward the sun for extended
periods of time. The internal mechanism
may be damaged. If reflected sunlight is
focused on a nearby object, it may cause
a fire.
• There is a magnet on the back and around
the rotating shaft of the hinge of the LCD
screen. Do not bring anything that is
easily affected by a magnet, such as
floppy disks or credit cards, near the
LCD screen.
• Images may trail across on the screen in
cold locations. This is not a malfunction.
When turning on the camera in a cold
location, the screen may become
temporarily dark. When the camera
warms up, the screen will function
normally.
• The recorded image may differ from the
image you monitor before recording.
Notes on recording over extended
periods of time
• When you continue to shoot for a long
time, the temperature of the camera rises.
If the temperature reaches a certain level,
the icon appears on the screen and the
camera turns off automatically. If the
power is turned off, leave the camera for
10 minutes or longer to allow the
temperature inside the camera to
decrease to a safe level.
• Under high ambient temperatures, the
temperature of the camera rises quickly.
• When the temperature of the camera
rises, the image quality may deteriorate.
We recommend that you wait until the
temperature of the camera drops before
continuing to shoot.
• The surface of the camera may grow
warm. This is not a malfunction.

Notes on using your camera
11GB
Notes on importing AVCHD movies to
a computer
When importing AVCHD movies to a
computer, for Windows computers, use the
“PlayMemories Home” software.
Notes on playing movies on other
devices
• This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
High Profile for AVCHD format
recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD
format on this camera cannot be played
using the following devices.
– Other devices compatible with
AVCHD format that do not support
High Profile
– Devices incompatible with the
AVCHD format
This camera also uses MPEG-4 AVC/
H.264 Main Profile for MP4 format
recording. For this reason, movies
recorded in MP4 format on this camera
cannot be played on devices other than
those that support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.
• Discs recorded in HD image quality
(high definition) can be played back only
on AVCHD format-compatible devices.
DVD-based players or recorders cannot
play back HD image quality discs, as
they are incompatible with the AVCHD
format. Also, DVD-based players or
recorders may fail to eject HD image
quality discs.
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
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 manual
The data on performance and specifications
are defined under the following conditions,
except as described in this manual: at an
ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC
(77°F), and using a battery pack that has
been fully charged for about an hour after
the charge lamp has turned off.
Model name
This manual covers several models
supplied with different lenses.
The model name varies depending on the
supplied lens. The available model varies
depending on the country/region.
Model name Lens
SLT-A58K DT18-55mm
SLT-A58M DT18-135mm
SLT-A58Y DT18-55mm and
DT55-200mm

GB12
Preparing the camera
Checking the supplied items
First check the model name of your camera (page 11). The accessories
supplied differ depending on the model.
The number in parentheses indicates the quantity.
Supplied with all models
• Camera (1)
• Battery charger BC-VM10A (1)
• Power cord (mains lead) (1)* (not
supplied in the U.S.A. and
Canada)
* Multiple power cords may be supplied
with your camera. Use the appropriate
one that matches your country/region.
• Rechargeable battery pack NP-
FM500H (1)
• Micro USB cable (1)
• Shoulder strap (1)
• Body cap (1) (Attached to the
camera)
• Eyepiece cup (1) (Attached to the
camera)
• Instruction Manual (This manual)
(1)
SLT-A58K
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)
SLT-A58M
• DT18-135mm zoom lens (1)/
Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap
(1)/Lens hood (1)
SLT-A58Y
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)
• DT55-200mm zoom lens (1)/
Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap
(1)/Lens hood (1)

Preparing the camera
13GB
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details on operation for the parts.
AShutter button (30)
BPower switch (27)
CControl dial (33, 36)
DSelf-timer lamp (45)
ELens contacts*
FMirror*
• This mirror is made of a
transmissive film. Do not touch
the mirror. Doing so may soil or
deform the mirror, and the
image quality and camera
performance may deteriorate.
GPreview button (51)/Focus
Magnifier button (51)
HMount
IBuilt-in flash* (41)
JMicrophone**
KMode dial (36)
L(Flash pop-up) button (41)
MMounting index (24)
NLens release button (25)
OFocus mode switch (51)
* Do not directly touch these
parts.
** Do not cover this part
during movie recording.
Doing so may cause noise
or lower the volume.
Front

Identifying parts
GB14
AEyepiece sensors
BViewfinder*
• When you look into the
viewfinder, viewfinder mode is
activated, and when you move
your face away from the
viewfinder, viewing mode
returns to LCD screen mode.
CDiopter-adjustment dial (29)
DLCD screen (71)
EEyepiece cup
FFor shooting: Fn (Function)
button (52, 53)
For viewing: (Image
rotation) button (51)
GControl button
v/V/b/B/DISP (Display
Contents) (46)/WB (White
Balance) (54)/ (Drive
Mode) (45)/ (Picture Effect)
(54)
HControl button (Enter)/AF
button (53)/Lock-on AF button
(53)
I(In-Camera Guide) button
(62)
For viewing: (Delete) button
(34)
J(Playback) button (33)
* Do not directly touch this
part.
Back

Identifying parts
Preparing the camera
15GB
AMulti interface shoe1)2)
BMENU button (55)
CImage sensor position
mark
DFINDER/LCD button (51)
EZOOM button (51)
FISO button (51)
GFor shooting: (Exposure)
button (43)/AV (Aperture
value) button (51)
For viewing: (Zoom in)
button (48)
HFor shooting: AEL (AE lock)
button (51)
For viewing: (Zoom out)
button (48)/ (Image index)
button (49)
IMOVIE button (32)
1) For details on compatible accessories
for the Multi interface shoe, visit the
Sony web site, or consult a Sony
dealer or local authorized Sony
service facility in your area.
Accessories for the Accessory Shoe
can also be used. Operation with other
manufactures’ accessories is not
guaranteed.
2) Accessories for the Auto-lock
Accessory Shoe can also be attached
using the Shoe Adaptor (sold
separately).
Top

Identifying parts
GB16
AHooks for shoulder strap
• Attach both ends of the strap to
the camera.
BSpeaker
CDC IN terminal
• When connecting the AC-
PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold
separately) to the camera, turn
the camera off, then plug the
connector of the AC Adaptor
into the DC IN terminal on the
camera.
Dm(Microphone) jack
• When an external microphone
is connected, the internal
microphone is automatically
turned off. If the external
microphone is a plug-in-power
type, the power of the
microphone is supplied by the
camera.
EHDMI micro jack (50)
FMulti/Micro USB Terminal
(66)
• Supports Micro USB
compatible device.
Sides/Bottom

Identifying parts
Preparing the camera
17GB
GBattery insertion slot (21)
HBattery cover (21)
ITripod receptacle
• Use a tripod with a screw length
of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).
You will be unable to firmly
secure the camera to tripods
with a screw length of 5.5 mm
(7/32 inch) or longer, and
attempting to do so may
damage the camera.
JAccess lamp (22)
KMemory card insertion slot (21)
LMemory card cover (21)

Identifying parts
GB18
DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
(Supplied with the SLT-A58K/
A58Y)
DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM
(Supplied with the SLT-A58Y)
DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
(Supplied with the SLT-A58M)
AFocusing ring
BZoom ring
CFocal-length scale
DFocal-length index
ELens contacts
FFocusing mode switch
GMounting index
HLens hood index
IZoom lock switch
• The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
II/DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM/
DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM are
designed for Sony A-mount
cameras (models equipped with
an APS-C sized image sensor).
You cannot use these lenses on
35mm-format cameras.
• For lenses other than DT 18-
55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II/DT 55-
200mm F4-5.6 SAM/DT 18-
135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM, refer to
the operating instructions
supplied with the lens.
Lens

Preparing the camera
19GB
Charging 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. The battery pack can also be used when it has not been
fully charged.
The charged battery pack is discharged little by little, even when you do not
use it. To avoid missing an opportunity to shoot, charge the battery pack
again before you shoot.
1Insert the battery pack into
the battery charger.
Push the battery pack in until it clicks.

Charging the battery pack
GB20
Notes
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery pack or
charging conditions.
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between
10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery
pack outside of this temperature range.
• Connect the battery charger to the nearest wall outlet (wall socket).
2Connect the battery charger
to a wall outlet (wall socket).
Light on: Charging
Light off: Charge completed
• When charging a fully depleted
battery pack at a temperature of 25°C
(77°F).
• The CHARGE lamp turns off when
charging is completed.
For the U.S.A. and Canada
For countries/regions other than the
U.S.A. and Canada
Charging time About 175 minutes
Plug
CHARGE lamp
To a wall outlet
(wall socket)
CHARGE lamp