Summary of the content on the page No. 1
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
Additional information on this product and
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
answers to frequently asked questions can be
Instruction Manual
found at our Customer Support Website.
DSLR-A500/A550
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free
vegetable oil based ink.
DSLR-A500/A55
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Owner’s Record IMPORTANT SAFETY The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. INSTRUCTIONS Record the serial number in the space provided below. SAVE THESE Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. INSTRUCTIONS. Model No. DSLR-A500/A550 Serial No. __________________________ DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK WARNING OF FIRE OR To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or ELECTRIC SHOCK, moisture. CAREFULLY FOLLOW T
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
� Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. For Customers in the U.S.A. � Keep the battery pack dry. UL is an internationally recognized safety � Replace only with the same or equivalent organization. type recommended by Sony. The UL Mark on the product means it has � Dispose of used battery pack promptly been UL Listed. described the instructions. Battery charger If you have any questions about this Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the product, you may call: battery c
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Regulatory Information Note: This equipment has been tested and found Declaration of Conformity to comply with the limits for a Class B Trade Name: SONY digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Model No.: DSLR-A500 FCC Rules. Responsible Party: Sony Electronics These limits are designed to provide Inc. reasonable protection against harmful Address:16530 Via Esprillo, interference in a residential installation. San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. This equipment generates, uses, and can Telephone
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Disposal of Old Electrical & For Customers in Europe Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other Notice for the customers in the European countries with separate countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony collection systems) 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 gua
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Disposal of waste batteries Notice for customers in the (applicable in the European Union United Kingdom and other European countries with separate collection systems) 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 This symbol on the battery or on the mark) must be
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Notes on using your camera Shooting procedure � This camera has two modes for shooting: the Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mode using the viewfinder (OVF). Black, white, red, � There may be differences between an blue and green image recorded in Live View mode and points an image recorded in viewfinder mode, such as exposure, white balance, or D- range optimizer, depending on the � Do not hold the camera by taking hold of method used of metering or the exposur
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Table of Contents Notes on using your camera .............................................. 7 Checking the accessories supplied ..................................12 Preparing the Preparing the battery pack ............................................... 13 camera Attaching a lens ............................................................... 20 Inserting a memory card .................................................. 22 Preparing the camera ....................................................
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Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode) ..................................................................................... 61 Shooting with program auto .................................. 62 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority) ............................................. 63 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority) ..................................... 65 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Ma
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Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation) ............................................................................ 95 Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of flash light (Flash control) .................................. 96 Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a subject (Metering mode) ................................... 97 Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically (D-Range) .....................................................
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Playing back images ...................................................... 115 Using the viewing Checking the information of recorded images .............. 120 function Protecting images (Protect) ........................................... 122 Deleting images (Delete) ............................................... 123 Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 125 Changing your Setting image size and image quality ............................ 128 setup Setting the meth
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Preparing the camera Checking the accessories supplied The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces. � BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/ � Instruction Manual (This manual) Power cord (mains lead) (1) (1) � Rechargeable battery pack NP- FM500H (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 α camera) (1) 12
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Preparing the camera Preparing the battery pack When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP- FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied). Charging the battery pack 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. 2 Connect the power cord (mains lead). Light on: Charging Light off: Normal
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
� We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range. Notes � Connect the battery charger to 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 l
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Preparing the camera Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world. A Type B Type BF Type B3 Type C Type SE Type O Type (American (British (British (British (CEE (CEE (Ocean Type) Type) Type) Type) Type) Type) Type) The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used. Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used. -For only the United States U
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Singapore 230 50 BF Taiwan 110 60 A Thailand 220 50 C/BF Vietnam 220 50 A/C Oceania Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Australia 240 50 O New Zealand 230/240 50 O North America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Canada 120 60 A USA 120 60 A Central America Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Bahamas 120/240 60 A Costa Rica 110 60 A Cuba 110/220 60 A/C Dominican (rep) 110 60 A El Salvador 110 60 A Guatemala 120 60 A Honduras 110 60 A Jamaica 110 50 A
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
Preparing the camera Inserting the charged battery pack 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. Lock lever 3 Close the battery cover. To remove the battery pack 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 17
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
To remove the battery cover The battery cover can be removed to attach the VG-B50AM Vertical Grip (sold separately). To remove the cover, push the lever in the direction of the arrow and slide it out. To attach the cover, put the knob in the hole, pull down the lever, and slide it in. To check the remaining battery level Check the level with the following indicators and percent figures displayed on the LCD monitor. “Battery exhausted” Battery level You cannot shoot High Low any more pic
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
Preparing the camera 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
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
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 Body cap change the lens away from dusty locations so as to keep dust or debris Packaging lid 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. � Be sure to put the lens on straight. Notes � When attaching a l