Sony A 100 Manual

							
DSLR-A100 2-681-187-11 (1)
2-681-187-11 (1)
Before your operation
Using the shooting functions
Using the viewing functions
Using the menu
Using your computer
Printing images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index
© 2006 Sony Corporation
 100
DSLR-A100
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
User’s Guide/ 
Troubleshooting
Printed in Malaysia
Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC(Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetableoil based ink.
Additional information on this product and 
answers to frequently asked questions can be 
found at our Customer Support Website.
“Read This First” (separate volume)Explains the set-up and basic operations for shooting/playback with your camera.
Operating InstructionsBefore operating the unit, please read this manual and “Read This First” (separate volume) thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.
Owner’s RecordThe 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 Sonydealer regarding this product.Model No. DSLR-A100Serial No. ___________________________ 
						

							2
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do 
not expose the unit to rain or 
moisture.
WARNING
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to 
alert the user to the presence 
of uninsulated “dangerous 
voltage” within the products 
enclosure that may be of 
sufficient magnitude to 
constitute a risk of electric 
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to 
alert the user to the presence 
of important operating and 
maintenance (servicing) 
instructions in the literature 
accompanying the appliance. 
						

							3
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety 
instructions completely before operating 
the appliance, and keep this manual for 
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions 
and instructions on the appliance, or the one 
described in the operating instructions and 
adhere to them.
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of 
power source indicated on the marking label. If 
you are not sure of the type of electrical power 
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or 
local power company. For those sets designed to 
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer 
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac 
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider 
than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one 
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to 
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing 
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact 
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. 
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized 
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or 
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, 
since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set 
through openings as they may touch dangerous 
voltage points or short out parts that could result 
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any 
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the 
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before 
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners 
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened 
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water – 
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen 
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a 
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be 
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or 
against them, paying particular attention to the 
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord 
exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, 
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing 
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious 
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, 
bracket, or table recommended by the 
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided 
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable 
operation of the set, and to protect it from 
overheating, these slots and openings must never 
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth 
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing 
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar 
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as 
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper 
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or 
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct 
sunlight.
Use
Installation 
						

							4
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning 
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for 
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall 
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. 
This will prevent damage to the set due to 
lightning and power-line surges.
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer 
servicing to qualified service personnel under the 
following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or 
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen 
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by 
being dropped, or the cabinet has been 
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when 
following the operating instructions. Adjust 
only those controls that are specified in the 
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of 
other controls may result in damage and will 
often require extensive work by a qualified 
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in 
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as 
opening or removing covers may expose you to 
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the 
service technician has used replacement parts 
specified by the manufacturer that have the same 
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, 
electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the 
set, ask the service technician to perform routine 
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) 
to determine that the set is in safe operating 
condition.
Service 
						

							5
Read this first
Replace the battery with the specified type
only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
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.
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.
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.
CAUTION
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-A100
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. 
						

							6
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.
For the Customers in the U.S.A. and 
Canada
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.
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.
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.
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.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for 
CF slot
For Customers in Europe
Notice for customers in the 
United Kingdom 
						

							7
Notes on using your camera
Types of “Memory Stick” that can be 
used (not supplied)
There are two types of “Memory Stick”.
“Memory Stick”: you cannot use a 
“Memory Stick” with your camera.
“Memory Stick Duo”: Inserting a 
“Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory 
Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot 
(supplied).
 When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with the 
write-protect switch, set the switch to the 
recording position.
 For details on “Memory Stick”, see page 139.
Notes on the battery pack
 Charge the NP-FM55H (supplied) battery pack 
before using the camera for the first time. 
(
tstep 1 in “Read This First”)
 The battery pack can be charged even if it is not 
completely discharged. Also, even if the battery 
pack is not fully charged, you can use the 
partially charged capacity of the battery pack as 
is.
 If you do not intend to use the battery pack for a 
long time, use up the existing charge and 
remove it from your camera, then store it in a 
cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery 
pack functions (page 142).
 For details on the battery pack, see page 142.
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 
recording media, etc.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always 
copy (back up) data to other medium.
Notes on recording/playback
 This camera is neither dust-proof, nor splash-
proof, nor water-proof. Read “Precautions” 
(page 147) before operating the camera.
 Before you record one-time events, make a trial 
recording to make sure that the camera is 
working correctly.
 Be careful not to get the camera wet. Water 
entering the inside of the camera may cause 
malfunctions which in some cases may not be 
repairable.
 Do not look at the sun or a strong light through a 
removed lens or the viewfinder. This may cause 
irrecoverable damage to your eyes. Or it may 
cause a malfunction of your camera.
 Do not use the camera near a location that 
generates strong radio waves or emits radiation. 
The camera may not be able to record or play 
back properly.
 Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations 
may cause malfunctions.
 If moisture condensation occurs, remove it 
before using the camera (page 147).
 Do not shake or strike the camera. In addition to 
malfunctions and an inability to record images, 
this may render the recording medium unusable, 
or cause image data breakdown, damage or loss.
 Clean the flash surface before use. The heat of 
flash emission may cause dirt on the flash 
surface to become discolored or to stick to the 
flash surface, resulting in insufficient light 
emission.
 Keep the camera, supplied accessories, etc., out 
of the reach of children. The battery pack, the 
shoe cap, etc., may be swallowed. If such a 
problem occurs, consult a doctor immediately. 
						

							8
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.
On focal length
The picture angle of this camera is narrower than 
that of a 35 mm-format film camera. You can find 
the approximate equivalent of the focal length of a 
35 mm-format film camera, and shoot with the 
same picture angle, by increasing the focal length 
of your lens by half.
For example, by using a 50 mm lens, you can get 
the approximate equivalent of a 75 mm lens of a 
35 mm-format film camera.
On image data compatibility
 This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule 
for Camera File system) universal standard 
established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and 
Information Technology Industries 
Association).
 Playback of images recorded with your camera 
on other equipment and playback of images 
recorded or edited with other equipment on your 
camera are not guaranteed.
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.
Black, white, red, blue 
and green points 
						

							9
Table of contents
Notes on using your camera .....................................................................7
Basic techniques for better images ......................................................... 13
Focus – Focusing on a subject successfully................................................... 13
Exposure – Adjusting the light intensity .......................................................... 16
Color – On the effects of lighting ..................................................................... 17
Quality – On “image quality” and “image size” ............................................... 17
Identifying parts ....................................................................................... 19
Indicators on the monitor ......................................................................... 22
Switching the recording information display ............................................ 26
Number of images ................................................................................... 27
The number of images that can be recorded when using the battery pack
................................................................................................................ 29
Operation workflow..................................................................................30
Using the mode dial................................................................................. 31
Scene Selection............................................................................................... 32
Shooting with Program auto ............................................................................ 33
Shooting with aperture priority mode .............................................................. 34
Shooting with shutter speed priority mode...................................................... 36
Shooting with manual exposure mode ............................................................ 37
Using the function dial ............................................................................. 42
How to use the function dial ............................................................................ 43
Setting ISO/Zone Matching ............................................................................. 44
Adjusting the white balance ............................................................................ 46
D-Range Optimizer.......................................................................................... 49
Selecting the color/DEC mode ........................................................................ 49
Focus mode..................................................................................................... 51
Flash ................................................................................................................ 54
Metering mode ................................................................................................ 58
Using the   (Drive) button ...............................................................60How to use the  (Drive) button ............................................................. 60
Shooting continuously ..................................................................................... 61
Using the self-timer ......................................................................................... 62
Shooting three images with the exposure shifted – Exposure Bracket ........... 62
White balance bracket shooting...................................................................... 64
Before your operation
Using the shooting functions 
						

							10
 Adjusting the exposure ...................................................................... 65
 Locking the exposure (AE lock) ......................................................... 67
 Slow Sync (Shooting the dark background with flash)....................... 69
Depth-of-field preview ............................................................................. 70
Focusing manually .................................................................................. 71
Switching the playback screen ................................................................ 72
Displaying the histogram ......................................................................... 74
Rotating an image ................................................................................... 76
Enlarging images .................................................................................... 77
Viewing images on a TV screen ............................................................. 78
Using menu items ................................................................................... 80
Menu list.................................................................................................. 82
 Recording menu 1 ............................................................................. 83
Image size
Quality
Inst.Playback
Noise reductn
Eye-Start AF
 Recording menu 2 ............................................................................. 86Red eye
Flash control
Flash default
Bracket order
 Reset
 Playback menu 1 ............................................................................... 88Delete
Format
 Protect
Index format
 Playback menu 2 ............................................................................... 91Slide show
 DPOF set
Using the viewing functions
Using the menu