Sony A 200 Manual

							Using the shooting function
81
 Use   (Multi segment) metering for general shooting.
 When shooting a subject with strong contrast in the focus area, measure 
the light of the subject you want to shoot with the proper exposure using 
Spot metering, then perform AE lock shooting (page 76).
Shooting techniques 
						

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Setting ISO
Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended 
exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.
Notes When ISO is set to [AUTO], ISO is automatically set as follows.
 The [AUTO] setting is not provided in recording mode M. If you change the 
recording mode to M with the [AUTO] setting, it is switched to [100]. Set the ISO 
according to your shooting conditions.
1Press the ISO button to display 
the ISO screen.ISO button
2Select the desired value with v/V on the controller.
 The larger the number, the higher the noise level.
Recording mode ISO
AUTO, Scene Selection The range differs depending on the mode
P, A, S 100 – 400 
						

							Using the shooting function
83
Adjusting the color tones (White balance)
The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of 
the light source. The table below shows how the color tone changes based 
on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under 
the sunlight.
White balance is a feature that adjusts the color tone to approximate what 
you see. Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out 
as you expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for 
photographic expression.
Note If the only light source available is a mercury lamp or a sodium lamp, the camera 
will not be able to acquire the accurate white balance because of the characteristics 
of the light source. Use the flash in such cases.
Fn button t [White balance] t Select the desired setting
 When [AWB] is not selected, you can finely adjust the color tone with b/
B on the controller. Adjusting it toward + turns the image reddish and 
adjusting it toward – turns the image bluish.
Weather/
lightingDaylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent
Characteristics 
of lightWhite Bluish Green-tinged Reddish
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source 
(Auto/Preset white balance) 
						

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 Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color 
in the selected option (page 92).
 When you select [5500K] (ColorTemperature) or [00] (Color filter), you 
can adjust the value to the desired value (below).
 When you select   (Custom), you can register your setting (page 85).
Fn button t [White balance] t [5500K] (ColorTemperature) or 
[00] (Color filter)
 To set the color temperature, select the value with b/B.
 To set the color filter, select the compensation direction with b/B.
Note Since color meters are designed for film cameras, the values differ under fluorescent/
sodium lamp/mercury lamps. We recommend that you use the custom white balance 
or do a test shooting. AWB (Auto WB)The camera automatically detects a light source and adjusts 
the color tones.
 (Daylight)If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the color 
tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance).
 (Shade)
 (Cloudy)
 (Tungsten)
 (Fluorescent)
 (Flash)
Shooting techniques
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color 
Temperature/Color filter) 
						

							Using the shooting function
85
*1The value is the color temperature value currently selected.*2The value is the Color filter value currently selected.
In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, 
use of custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately 
reproduce the whiteness.
5500K*1 
(ColorTemperature)Sets the white balance by the color temperature. The higher 
the number, the more reddish the image and the lower the 
number, the more bluish the image.
00*
2 (Color filter)Achieves the effect of CC (Color Compensation) filters for 
photography.
Based on using the set color temperature as the standard, the 
color can be compensated to G (Green) or M (Magenta).
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance)
1Fn button t [White balance] t 
2Select [  SET] with b/B on the controller.
3Hold the camera so that the white area fully covers the spot-
metering circle and press the shutter button down.
The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (ColorTemperature and Color 
filter) are displayed.
4Press the center of the controller.
The monitor returns to the recording information display with the memorized 
custom white balance setting retained.
 The custom white balance setting is registered in this operation is effective 
until a new setting is registered. 
						

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Note The message “Custom WB error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected 
range. (When the flash is used on a subject in close proximity or a subject with a 
bright color is in the frame.) If you register this value, the   indicator turns yellow 
on the recording information display on the LCD monitor. You can shoot at this 
point, but it is recommended that you set the white balance again to get a more 
correct white balance value.
To call the custom white balance setting
Fn button t [White balance] t  (Custom)
Note If the flash is used when the shutter button is pressed, a custom white balance is 
registered with the flash light taken into account. Take pictures with the flash in later 
shootings. 
						

							Using the shooting function
87
Image processing
Fn button t [D-RangeOptimizer] t Select the desired setting
  (Advanced) of D-Range Optimizer has no effect on RAW files. 
Correct images using the D-Range Optimizer function of “Image Data 
Converter SR.”
MENU button t  1 t [Creative Style] t Select the desired 
setting
 When you want to adjust   (Contrast),   (Saturation), or   
(Sharpness), select the desired item with b/B, then adjust the value with 
v/V.
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range 
Optimizer)
 (Off)No compensation.
 (Standard)When there is a sharp contrast of light and shadow between 
the subject and the background, which is common when 
shooting into the sun, the camera attenuates the contrast 
across the entire image to produce an image with proper 
brightness and contrast.
 (Advanced)By dividing the image into small areas, the camera analyses 
the contrast of light and shadow between the subject and the 
background, producing the image with the optimal brightness 
and gradation.
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
 (Standard)For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful 
colors.
 (Vivid)The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting 
striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as 
flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.
 (Portrait)For shooting the skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited to 
shooting portraits.
 (Landscape)The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for 
shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also 
stand out more. 
						

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 (Contrast),   (Saturation), and   (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each 
Creative Style item.
About Adobe RGB color space
Adobe RGB color space has a wide range of color reproduction, compared 
to sRGB that is the standard color space of the digital camera. If the main 
purpose is to print out the image, especially when a large part of the subject 
is vivid green or red, Adobe RGB is more effective than other sRGB color 
modes.
 The file name of the image starts with “_DSC.”
Notes If the Scene Selection is used, you cannot change the settings for the Creative Style.
 When   (B/W) is selected, you cannot adjust the saturation.
  (Adobe RGB) is for applications or printers that support color management and 
DCF2.0 option color space. Using some applications or printers that do not support 
them may result in or print images that do not reproduce faithful color.
 When displaying images that were recorded with   (Adobe RGB) on the camera 
or non-Adobe RGB-compliant devices, the images are displayed with low 
saturation. (Night view)The contrast is attenuated for shooting a nightscape that is 
more faithful to the real view.
 (Sunset)For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.
 (B/W)For shooting images in black and white monotone.
 (Adobe RGB)For shooting images in Adobe RGB color space.
 (Contrast)The difference of light and shadow in an image (gradation). 
Increase the value to get an image with strong contrast. 
Decrease the value for a softer finish.
 (Saturation)The vividness of the colors. Increase the value for an image 
with deep and vivid colors. Decrease the value for a quiet 
finish.
 (Sharpness)The degree of highlighting of the contours. Increase the value 
for a more crisp finish. Decrease the value for a softer finish. 
						

							Using the shooting function
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 Selecting the drive mode
This camera has five drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, 
continuous advanced. Use them for your purpose.
This mode is for normal shooting.
 button t  (Single-shot adv.)
The camera records the images continuously at a maximum of 3 images per 
second*.
* Our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting is slower, 
depending on shooting conditions.
The maximum number of continuous shots
The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.
* The shooting speed becomes a little slower for fourth image or later.
Shooting single shot
Shooting continuously
1 button t   (Continuous adv.)
2Adjust the focus and shoot the 
subject.
 When you press and hold the shutter 
button, the recording continues.
 The number of images that can be shot 
continuously is indicated in the 
viewfinder.
The number of images that can be 
shot continuously
Fine/Standard*No limit (Until the memory card is full)
RAW & JPEG3 images
RAW6 images 
						

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The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer appears in a 
photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient to reduce the camera shake.
To cancel the self-timer
To cancel the activated self-timer, press the   button.
Note When you press the shutter button without looking into the viewfinder, use the 
eyepiece cover (page 27).
Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different 
degrees of exposure. This camera is equipped with an auto bracket 
function. Specify the value of deviation (steps) from the base exposure, and 
the camera shoots while automatically shifting the exposure. You can 
choose an image that has the brightness you like after shooting is finished.
Using the self-timer
1 button t  (Self-timer) t Select the desired seconds
 The number after   is the number of seconds that is currently selected.
2Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.
 When the self-timer is activated, audio signals and the self-timer lamp 
indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio 
signal sounds quickly right before the shooting.
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure 
bracket)
Base exposure
– direction+ direction