Sony A 200 Manual

							
DSLR-A200 3-277-950-12 (1)
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Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
Digital Single Lens Reflex CameraInstruction Manual
DSLR-A200
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 
						

							2
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 Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DSLR-A200
Serial No. __________________________
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 SourcesThis 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.
PolarizationThis 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.
OverloadingDo not overload wall outlets, extension 
cords or convenience receptacles beyond 
their capacity, since this can result in fire or 
electric shock.
Object and Liquid EntryNever 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.
AttachmentsDo not use attachments not recommended 
by the manufacturer, as they may cause 
hazards.
CleaningUnplug 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 MoistureDo 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 ProtectionRoute 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.
AccessoriesDo 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.
VentilationThe 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.
Use
Installation 
						

							4
– 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.
LightningFor 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 ServiceUnplug 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.
ServicingDo 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 partsWhen 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 CheckUpon 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.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive 
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
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 packThis 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.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.
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-A200
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
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.
Perchlorate Material - special handling may 
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchloratePerchlorate Material: Lithium battery 
contains perchlorate.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).
AttentionThe electromagnetic fields at the specific 
frequencies may influence the picture and 
sound of this unit.
NoticeIf 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.
For the State of California, 
USA only
For Customers in Europe 
						

							7
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.
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.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.
The manufacturer of this product is Sony 
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 guarantee matters please 
refer to the addresses given in separate 
service or guarantee documents.
Notice for customers in the 
United Kingdom
Notice for the customers in 
the countries applying EU 
Directives 
						

							8
Notes on using your camera
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 a memory card, etc.
Back up recommendationTo avoid the potential risk of data loss, 
always copy (back up) data to other 
medium.
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.
Warning on copyrightTelevision 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 manualThe 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
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS  ........................................ 3
Read this first ..................................................................... 5
Notes on using your camera  .............................................. 8
Preparing the 
cameraChecking the accessories supplied .................................. 13
Preparing the battery pack  ............................................... 14
Attaching a lens  ............................................................... 19
Inserting a memory card  .................................................. 21
Preparing the camera  ....................................................... 25
Using the accessories supplied  ........................................ 27
Checking the number of recordable images  .................... 29
Cleaning ........................................................................... 31
Before your 
operationIdentifying parts and screen indicators ............................ 34
Front side .................................................................... 34
Rear side  ..................................................................... 35
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 36
LCD monitor (Recording information display)  ......... 37
Viewfinder .................................................................. 40
Selecting a function/setting  ............................................. 41
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button ... 43
The functions selected by the   (Drive) button
............................................................................ 43
Functions selected by the MENU button  ................... 43
Shooting imagesShooting an image without camera shake  ....................... 45
Correct posture  ........................................................... 45
Using the Super SteadyShot function  ........................ 46
Using a tripod  ............................................................. 47
/  Shooting with the automatic setting............... 48
Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene 
Selection) .................................................................... 50
 Taking portrait photos  .......................................... 50
 Taking landscape photos  ...................................... 51
 Taking small-subject photos  ................................ 52
 Taking moving-subject photos  ............................. 53
 Taking sunset photos  ........................................... 54
 Taking night view photos  .................................... 55 
						

							10
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 56
 Shooting with program auto  .................................. 57
 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background 
(Aperture priority)  ............................................. 59
 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions 
(Shutter speed priority)  ..................................... 61
 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually 
(Manual exposure)  ............................................ 63
 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)  .......... 65
Using the 
shooting functionSelecting the focus method .............................................. 67
Using autofocus  .......................................................... 67
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)
............................................................................ 69
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the 
subject (Autofocus mode) ................................. 69
Selecting the focus area (AF area)  ............................. 70
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus)  ........... 71
Using the flash  ................................................................. 72
Selecting the flash mode  ............................................ 74
Performing wireless flash shooting  ............................ 74
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash 
compensation, Metering) ............................................ 76
Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock)  ................ 76
Using brightness compensation for the entire image 
(Exposure compensation)  .................................. 78
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 79
Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of 
flash light (Flash control)  .................................. 79
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a 
subject (Metering mode)  ................................... 80
Setting ISO  ...................................................................... 82