Sony A 100 Manual

31
Using the shooting functions
Using the shooting functions
Using the mode dial
Set the mode dial to the desired function.
In this Operating Instructions, the available mode dial setting is shown as follows.
Recording modes
: Auto adjustment mode
Allows easy shooting with the settings adjusted automatically, depending entirely 
on the camera. t step 5 in “Read This First”
      : Scene Selection mode
Allows you to shoot with preset settings according to the scene (page 32).
P:Program auto mode
Allows...

32
You can shoot with the following preset settings according to the scene. You can change any of the settings except [Color/DEC] (page 49).
 Portrait
 Landscape
 Macro
 Sports action
 Sunset
Scene SelectionPASM
Shoots with backgrounds blur away, and the subject is sharpened. To blur the background more, using the telephoto position of the lens is more 
effective.
 It is recommended that you use the flash when the subject is backlit. Also, when 
you do not use the flash, it is recommended that you use...

33
Using the shooting functions
 Night view/portrait
 The shutter speed is slower, so using a tripod is recommended. The Super SteadyShot function is also 
effective. (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
In program auto mode, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and the aperture 
according to the brightness of the subject just as in the auto adjustment mode (mode dial: 
AU TO ) .  
Program Shift
You can temporarily change the aperture value and shutter speed combination that was 
adjusted by the...

34
3Select the aperture value or the shutter speed using the control dial when the shutter speed and 
the aperture value are displayed.
 When the shutter speed and the aperture value are displayed, you no longer have to keep pressing the 
shutter button.
 When the shutter speed and the aperture value disappear seconds later, the adjusted values also disappear.
 When the flash is pulled up, you cannot select the program shift (even if you turn the control dial, the 
program shift is not turned on). When...

35
Using the shooting functions
1Set the mode dial to A.
2Select an aperture value using the control dial.
 The aperture range depends on the lens.
 The aperture value is adjusted in 1/3 Ev increments.
 Before shooting, you can do a quick check on the image blur with the depth-of-field preview function 
(page 70).
 If the proper exposure is not obtained after making the settings, the shutter speed on the LCD monitor and 
in the viewfinder flashes when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. You can...

36
You can adjust the shutter speed manually. If you shoot a moving subject at a higher shutter 
speed, it appears as if frozen on the image. At a lower shutter speed, the subject appears as if it 
flowing.
Aperture value is automatically adjusted to attain correct exposure according to the brightness 
of the subject.
1Set the mode dial to S.
2Select a shutter speed using the control dial.
 You can adjust the shutter speed between 30 and 1/4000 second. You can adjust it between 30 and 1/
125 second (with...

37
Using the shooting functions
Manual exposure
You can manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture values.
This mode is useful when you maintain the setting of the shutter speed and the aperture value 
or when you use an exposure meter.
1Set the mode dial to M.
2Select a shutter speed using the control dial.
 “BULB” (Bulb shooting) is indicated next to “30” (page 40).
3Press and hold the +/– (Exposure) button and turn the control dial to select the aperture.
zShooting techniques
When shooting a...

38
 In the manual exposure mode, even when [ISO] (page 44) is set to [AUTO], it is fixed to ISO 100.
 You can assign the function of the control dial with [Ctrl dial set] in the   Custom menu (page 94).
 The   (Camera-shake warning) indicator does not appear in the manual exposure mode.
 When the flash is pulled up, the flash fires regardless of the amount of ambient light (page 54).
zEv scale
The Ev scale on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder indicates the difference between the standard 
exposure...

39
Using the shooting functions
zHow to use the AEL button in manual mode
While you press and hold the AEL (AE Lock) button, the exposure determined by the meter is locked as the 
standard exposure (0.0Ev). Changing the composition on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder while 
holding the AEL button causes the exposure within the spot metering circle to continually shift to match the 
movements and the display indicates the difference between the standard exposure determined by the meter 
and the...

40
BULB (long exposure) shooting
As long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open. You can shoot trails of light, 
such as fireworks. Attach a tripod to the camera when using the bulb shooting function.
1Set the mode dial to M.
2Turn the control dial to the left until [BULB] is indicated.
3Press and hold the +/– (Exposure) button and turn the control dial to select the aperture.
4Attach the eyepiece cover (page 41).
5Press and hold the shutter button for the duration of the shooting....