Sony A 200 Manual

							11
Adjusting the color tones (White balance)  ...................... 83
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source 
(Auto/Preset white balance) .............................. 83
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color 
Temperature/Color filter)  .................................. 84
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) .. 85
Image processing  ............................................................. 87
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range 
Optimizer) ......................................................... 87
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
............................................................................ 87
 Selecting the drive mode  .................................... 89
Shooting single shot  ................................................... 89
Shooting continuously ................................................ 89
Using the self-timer  .................................................... 90
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure 
bracket) .............................................................. 90
Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)  ... 92
Using the viewing 
functionPlaying back images  ........................................................ 93
Checking the information of recorded images  ................ 98
Protecting images (Protect)  ........................................... 101
Deleting images (Delete)  ............................................... 102
Viewing images on a TV screen .................................... 104
Changing your 
setupSetting image size and image quality  ............................ 106
Setting the method for recording on a memory card  ..... 108
Changing the noise reduction setting  ............................ 110
Changing the conditions under which the shutter can close
................................................................................... 111
Changing the functions of the button and dial  .............. 112
Changing other settings  ................................................. 113
Setting the LCD monitor  ............................................... 114
Resetting to the default  .................................................. 116
Viewing images 
on a computerCopying images to your computer  ................................ 119
Viewing images on your computer  ............................... 123
Using the software  ......................................................... 127
Printing imagesSpecifying DPOF  .......................................................... 133
Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge 
compliant printer  ...................................................... 135 
						

							12
OthersSpecifications ................................................................ 139
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 143
Warning messages  ......................................................... 152
Precautions .................................................................... 154
Index .............................................................................. 156 
						

							13
Preparing the camera
Preparing the camera
Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
 BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/
Power cord (mains lead) (1)
 Rechargeable battery pack NP-
FM500H (1)
 USB cable (1)
 Video 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)
 Quick Start Guide (1)
 Instruction Manual (This manual) 
(1) 
						

							14
Preparing the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-
FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).
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.
About charging time
 Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a 
temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as follows.
 The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the 
battery back or charging conditions.
Charging the battery pack
1Insert the battery pack on the 
battery charger.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
2Connect the power cord (mains 
lead).
Light on: Charging
Light off: Normal charge completed
One hour after the lamp is turned off: Full 
charge completed
Full charge Normal charge
Approx. 235 min. Approx. 175 min.
CHARGE lamp
To a wall outlet 
(wall socket) 
						

							15
Preparing the camera
 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 an easily accessible wall outlet (wall socket) close by.
 Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the 
AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If 
some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power 
by disconnecting the plug from the 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 life may be decreased.
 Do not charge any battery pack other than the “InfoLITHIUM” M 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.
 When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery 
pack other than the specified type have been installed. 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.
To use your camera abroad — Power sources
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-VQ900AM 
AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied) in any country or region where the 
power supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially 
available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the 
wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
Note Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a 
malfunction. 
						

							16
To remove the battery pack
Inserting the charged battery pack
1While sliding the battery cover 
open lever, open the battery 
cover.
2Firmly insert the battery pack all 
the way while pressing the lock 
lever with the tip of the battery.
Lock lever
3Close the battery cover.
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
Preparing the camera
To remove the battery cover
To check the remaining battery level
Set the POWER switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor. The 
level is indicated with the percent figures, in addition to the following 
indicators.
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has 
functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with 
your camera. Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack, the remaining 
battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the operating 
conditions of your camera.
Notes The displayed level may not be correct under certain circumstances.
 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.
Available battery packs
Use only an NP-FM500H battery pack. Note that the NP-FM55H, NP-
FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used. The battery cover can be removed to 
attach a vertical grip (not supplied). 
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.
Battery level“Battery 
exhausted”
High  LowYou cannot shoot 
any more pictures. 
						

							18
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.
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.
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 to prolong the battery life. 
						

							19
Preparing the camera
Attaching a lens
Notes When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.
 Do not use force when attaching a lens.
Lens hood
Using a lens hood is recommended to prevent unnecessary light from 
affecting your images. For attaching, refer to the operating instructions 
supplied with the lens.
1Remove the body cap from the 
camera and the rear cap from the 
lens.
Rear cap
2Mount the lens by aligning the 
orange index marks on the lens 
and camera.
Orange index marks
3Turn the lens clockwise until it 
clicks into the locked position.
Body cap 
						

							20
To remove the lens
Note on changing the lens
When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands 
on the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may 
appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment.
The camera is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust from 
landing on the image sensor. However, quickly change the lens away from 
dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens.
If dust or debris lands on the image sensor
Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning mode] in the   Setup menu 
(page 32).
1Press the lens release button all 
the way in and turn the lens 
counterclockwise until it stops.
 When changing the lens, quickly 
change the lens away from dusty 
locations so as to keep dust from 
getting inside the camera.
Lens release button
2Replace the cap on the lens and 
attach the body cap to the 
camera.
 Before you attach the cap, remove dust 
from the cap.