Sony A 100 Manual

							141
Others
On the CF card/Microdrive
 Be sure to format the recording medium using 
this camera when you use it for the first time.
 Data may be damaged in the following cases:
– Removing the recording medium while 
reading or writing data.
– If you store the recording medium near 
strongly-magnetized material.
 The recording medium may be hot just after it 
has been used. Be careful when you handle it.
 Do not remove the label or attach a new label 
over the label. 
 When you carry or store the recording medium, 
put it in the case supplied with it. 
 Do not expose the recording medium to water.
 Do not press on the label strongly.
 Do not touch the terminal section of the 
recording medium with your hand or a metal 
object.
Notes on use of the Microdrive
A Microdrive is a compact and lightweight hard 
disk drive that complies with CompactFlash Type 
II.
 The Microdrive is a compact hard disk drive. 
Since the Microdrive is a rotating disk, the 
Microdrive is not strong enough to resist 
vibration and shock compared to a “Memory 
Stick,” which uses flash memory.
Be sure not to transmit vibration or shock to the 
Microdrive during playback or shooting.
 Note that the use of the Microdrive under 5°C 
(41°F) may bring performance degradation.
Operating temperature range when using the 
Microdrive: 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F)
 Note that the Microdrive cannot be used under 
low atmospheric pressure (above 3 000 meters 
above sea-level).
 Do not write on the label.  
						

							142
On the battery pack
Use only an NP-FM55H battery pack. Note 
that the NP-FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be 
used.
On charging the battery pack
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.
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. We recommend the following to ensure 
longer battery pack use:
– 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.
 We recommend having spare battery packs 
handy, and making trial shots before taking the 
actual shots.
 Do not expose the battery pack to water. The 
battery pack is not water-resistant.
 Do not leave the battery pack in extremely hot 
places, such as in a car or under direct sunlight.
On the remaining battery indicator
When using the camera with the battery pack, the 
remaining time in minutes is not indicated.
How to store the battery pack
If the battery pack is not to be used for a long 
time, fully charge it and then fully use it up once a 
year on your camera before storing the battery 
pack in a dry, cool place. Repeat this charging and 
using up once a year to maintain the battery pack’s 
function.
On battery life
 The battery life is limited. Battery capacity 
decreases little by little as you use it more and 
more, and as time passes. If the battery 
operating time seems shortened considerably, a 
probable cause is that the battery pack has 
reached the end of its life. Buy a new battery 
pack. The battery life varies according to how it is 
stored and the operating conditions and 
environment in which each battery pack is used. 
						

							143
Others
On the battery charger
x On the battery charger
 Do not charge any battery pack other than the 
NP-FM series battery pack in the battery charger 
(supplied) with your camera. Batteries other 
than the specified kind may leak, overheat, or 
explode if you attempt to charge them, posing a 
risk of injury from electrocution and burns.
 Remove the charged battery pack from the 
battery charger. If you leave the charged battery 
pack in the charger, battery life may be 
decreased.
 When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may 
indicate a battery error or that a battery pack 
other than the specified type have been inserted. 
Check that the battery pack is the specified type. 
If the battery pack is the specified type, remove 
the battery pack, replace it with new one or 
another one and check if the battery charger 
operates correctly. If the battery charger 
operates correctly, a battery error may have 
occurred.
 If the battery charger is dirty, charging may not 
be performed successfully. Clean the battery 
charger with dry cloth, etc. 
						

							144
Optional accessories
This section introduces how to connect and operate popular accessories for this camera.
For details, refer to the operating instructions of each of the accessories.
AC-VQ900AM AC Adaptor/charger
When a household power outlet (AC power) is available, using an AC Adaptor/charger 
eliminates the possibility of running out of battery.
To connect the adaptor, set the POWER switch of the camera to OFF, flip open the cover, and 
insert the plug of the AC Adaptor/charger into the DC-IN terminal.
 When disconnecting the AC Adaptor/charger from the camera, turn the power off beforehand.
 You cannot use any AC adaptor other than the AC-VQ900AM.
RM-S1AM Remote Commander
This Remote Commander allows you to release the shutter without touching the camera. This 
keeps the camera from shaking. In addition, you can keep the shutter button down during bulb 
exposure (page 40).
To attach the Remote Commander, flip open the cover of the REMOTE (remote-control) jack 
and insert the plug of the Remote Commander.
 As shown in the illustration above, flip the cover open from the right side and turn it counterclockwise. 
After use, turn it clockwise to replace the cover. 
						

							145
Others
With the Remote Commander clip attached to the shoulder strap, you can catch the cord to 
secure it.
HVL-F56AM/HVL-F36AM Flash 
A powerful flash can cover a longer distance than the built-in flash can, enabling flash 
shooting that produces beautiful images.
When using the flash (not supplied), remove the accessory shoe cap and slide the flash onto 
the camera.
High Speed Sync (HSS) Shooting
You can perform high speed sync shooting with a HVL-F56AM or a HVL-F36AM.
With a flash HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM mounted on the camera and “HSS” appearing on 
the LCD window of the flash, the limitation on the flash sync speed* is canceled, enabling you 
to perform flash shooting across every shutter speed available with this camera (30 ~ 
1/4000 second). This means you have a wider option of aperture values. Even with the flash, 
you can widen the aperture to blur the background and accentuate the subject, producing a 
perfect portrait picture. 
In addition, when using the flash with the aperture open in aperture priority mode or manual 
exposure mode, you can attain a proper exposure using the high speed flash even on a scene 
with a very bright background, which would normally cause overexposure.
* This camera’s flash sync speed is 1/125 second with the Super SteadyShot on and 1/160 second with the 
Super SteadyShot off. The shutter speed will not be faster in other flash shooting than high speed sync.
 In high speed sync mode (when the shutter speed is faster than the flash sync speed noted above), “H” 
appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
 In high speed sync mode, the flash range is shorter than in normal flash shooting. Before taking a picture, 
make sure the subject is within the range of distance displayed on the flash window.
Flash HVL-F56AM
Accessory shoe 
cap 
						

							146
 High speed sync mode is not available when the two-second self-timer or [Rear sync.] is selected.
 If a flash meter or a color meter is used, high speed sync mode is not available because the proper 
exposure cannot be attained. Either deactivate the high speed sync mode (“HSS” does not appear on the 
LCD window of the flash) or select a shutter speed slower than the flash sync speed.
FDA-A1AM Angle Finder/FDA-M1AM Magnifier
When using the Angle Finder or Magnifier, remove the eyecup.
 The eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated. Setting [Eye-Start AF] to [Off] is 
recommended (page 85). 
						

							147
Others
Precautions
x Do not use/store the camera in the 
following places
 In an extremely hot, dry or humid place
In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the 
camera body may become deformed and this 
may cause a malfunction.
 Under direct sunlight or near a heater
The camera body may become discolored or 
deformed, and this may cause a malfunction.
 In a location subject to rocking vibration
 Near strong magnetic place
 In sandy or dusty places
Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the 
camera. This may cause the camera to 
malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction 
cannot be repaired.
x On carrying
Be sure to attach the lens cap or body cap when 
not using the camera. When attaching the body 
cap, remove all the dust from the cap before 
placing it on the camera.
x On cleaning
Cleaning the LCD monitor
Wipe the screen surface with an LCD cleaning kit 
(not supplied) to remove fingerprints, dust, etc.
Cleaning the lens
 When cleaning the lens surface, remove dust 
using a blower brush. In case of dust that sticks 
to the surface, wipe it off with a soft cloth or 
tissue paper slightly moistened with lens 
cleaning solution. Wipe in a spiral pattern from 
the center to the outside. Do not spray lens 
cleaning solution directly onto the lens surface.
 Do not touch the inside of the camera, such as 
the shutter curtain, or the mirror. Since dust on 
the mirror or around the mirror may affect the 
auto focus system, blow away dust using a 
blower. If dust lands on the CCD, it may appear 
on the photo image. Turn the camera to the 
cleaning mode (page 103), then clean it using a 
blower. Do not use a spray blower to clean the 
inside of the camera. Using this may cause a 
malfunction.
 Do not use a cleaning solution containing 
organic solvents, such as thinner, or benzine.Cleaning the camera surface
Clean the camera surface with a soft cloth slightly 
moistened with water, then wipe the surface with 
a dry cloth. Do not use the following as they may 
damage the finish or the casing.
 Chemical products such as thinner, benzine, 
alcohol, disposable cloths, insect repellent, 
sunscreen or insecticide, etc.
 Do not touch the camera with the above on your 
hand.
 Do not leave the camera in contact with rubber 
or vinyl for a long time.
x On operating temperatures
Your camera is designed for use under the 
temperatures between 0 and 40°C (32 and 104°F) 
(When using a Microdrive: 5 and 40°C (41 and 
104°F)). Shooting in extremely cold or hot places 
that exceed this range is not recommended.
x On moisture condensation
If the camera is brought directly from a cold to a 
warm location, moisture may condense inside or 
outside the camera. This moisture condensation 
may cause a malfunction of the camera.
Moisture condensation occurs easily 
when:
 The camera is brought from a cold location such 
as a ski slope into a warmly heated room.
 The camera is taken from an air-conditioned 
room or car interior to the hot outdoors, etc.
How to prevent moisture condensation
When bringing the camera from a cold place to a 
warm place, seal the camera in a plastic bag and 
allow it to adapt to conditions at the new location 
over about an hour.
If moisture condensation occurs
Turn off the camera and wait about an hour for the 
moisture to evaporate. Note that if you attempt to 
shoot with moisture remaining inside the lens, you 
will be unable to record clear images. 
						

							148
x On the internal rechargeable 
battery
This camera has an internal rechargeable battery 
for maintaining the date and time and other 
settings regardless of whether the power is on or 
off.
This rechargeable battery is continually charged 
as long as you are using the camera. However, if 
you use the camera for only short periods, it 
discharges gradually, and if you do not use the 
camera at all for about 8 month it becomes 
completely discharged. In this case, be sure to 
charge this rechargeable battery before using the 
camera.
However, even if this rechargeable battery is not 
charged, you can still use the camera as long as 
you do not record the date and time.
Charging method of the internal 
rechargeable battery
Insert a charged battery pack in the camera, or 
connect the camera to a wall outlet (wall socket) 
using the AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied), and 
leave the camera for 24 hours or more with the 
power off.
Charging method of the NP-FM55H 
battery pack 
t step 1 in “Read This First” 
						

							149
Others
Specifications
Camera
[System]
Camera Type Digital Single Lens Reflex 
Camera with built-in flash and 
interchangeable lenses
Lens All of Sony Lens
[CCD]
Total pixel number of camera
Approx. 10 800 000 pixels
Effective pixel number of camera
Approx. 10 200 000 pixels
Image sensor 23.6×15.8 mm (APS-C format) 
Interlace scan Primary Color
[Super SteadyShot]
System CCD-Shift mechanism
Super SteadyShot Compensation capability
Approximately 2 EV to 3.5 EV 
decrease in shutter speed 
(varies according to shooting 
conditions and lens used)
[Anti-Dust]
System Charge protection coating on 
Low-Pass Filter and CCD-Shift 
mechanism
[Viewfinder]
Type Fixed eye-level system with 
roof mirror type pentaprism
Focusing Screen Spherical Acute Matte
Field of View 0.95
Magnification 0.83 × with 50 mm lens at 
infinity, –1 m
–1
Eye  Relief Approximately 20 mm from the 
eyepiece, 16 mm from the 
eyepiece frame at –1 diopter 
(–1m
–1)
Dioptor Adjustment
–2.5 to +1.0 m
–1
[Auto Focus System]
System TTL phase-detection system, 
CCD line sensors (9 points, 8 
lines with center cross-hair 
sensor)
Sensitivity Range
0 EV to 18 EV (at ISO 100 
equivalent)
[Exposure]
Metering Cell 40-segment honeycomb-pattern 
SPC
Metering Range +1 EV to +20 EV (+4 EV to 
+20 EV with Spot metering), 
(at ISO 100 with F1.4 lens)
[Shutter]
Type Electronically-controlled, 
vertical-traverse, focal-plane 
type
Speed range 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, 
bulb
Flash Sync Speed
1/160 second (with Super 
SteadyShot off),
1/125 second (with Super 
SteadyShot on)
[Built-In-Flash]
Flash G.No. GN 12 (in meters at ISO 100)
Recycling Time Approx. 3 seconds
[Recording media]
CompactFlash card(TypeI,II),  
Microdrive,  “Memory Stick 
Duo” (with Memory Stick Duo 
Adaptor for CF Slot)
[LCD monitor]
LCD panel 6.2 cm (2.5 type) TFT drive
Total number of dots
230 000 (960×240) dots
[Power, general]
Used battery pack
Rechargeable battery pack 
NP-FM55H
[Others]
PictBridge Compatible
Exif Print Compatible
PRINT Image Matching III
Compatible
Dimensions 133.1 × 94.7 × 71.3 mm
(5 1/4 × 3 3/4 × 2 7/8 inches)
(W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
Mass Approx.545 g (1 lb 3.2 oz)  
(without batteries, recording 
medium and body accessories) 
						

							150
Operating temperature
0 to +40°C (+32 to +104°F)
(When using the Microdrive: 
+5 to +40°C (41 to +104°F))
Exif Exif Ver. 2.21
USB communication
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 
compliant)
BC-VM10 Battery charger
Input rating 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Output rating  8.4 V DC, 750 mA
Operating temperature range
0 to +40°C (32 to +104°F)
Storage temperature range
-20 to +60°C (-4 to +140°F)
Maximum dimensions
Approx. 70 × 25 × 95 mm 
(2 7/8 × 1× 3 3/4 inches) (W/H/
D)
Mass Approx. 90 g (3.2 oz)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM55H
Used battery Lithium-ion battery
Maximum voltage 
DC 8.4 V 
Nominal voltage  DC 7.2 V
Capacity  11.5 Wh (1 600 mAh)
Maximum dimensions
Approx. 38.2 × 20.5 × 55.6 mm 
(1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 1/4 inches) 
(W/H/D)
Mass Approx. 78 g (2.8 oz)
Design and specifications are subject to change 
without notice.