Sony A 230 Manual

Shooting images
61
 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background 
(Aperture priority)
This mode is suitable for
zPutting the subject in sharp focus 
and blur everything in front of and 
beyond the subject. Opening the 
aperture narrows the range that is in 
focus. (Depth of field becomes 
shallower.)
zShooting the depth of the scenery. 
Narrowing down the aperture widens 
the range that is in focus. (Depth of 
field becomes deeper.)
1Set the mode dial to A. 

62
 The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value. 
When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.
 To blur the background more, use a telephoto lens or a lens that is 
equipped with a smaller diaphragm (bright lens).
 Set the flash mode to   (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flash 
(page 75). However, the flash range differs according to the aperture 
value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range (page 77).
2Select the aperture value (F-
number) with the control...

Shooting images
63
 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions 
(Shutter speed priority)
This mode is suitable for
zShooting a moving subject at a 
moment in time. Use a faster shutter 
speed to crisply shoot an instant of 
the movement.
zTracing the movement to express the 
dynamism and flow. Use a slower 
shutter speed to shoot a trailing 
image of the moving subject.
1Set the mode dial to S. 

64
 When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.
 When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.
Notes The   (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in shutter speed priority 
mode.
 The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more conspicuous the noise.
 When the shutter speed is one second or more, noise reduction (Long exp.NR) will 
be done after shooting. You cannot do any further shooting during the reduction.
 Set the flash mode to   (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flash...

Shooting images
65
 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual 
exposure)
This mode is suitable for
zShooting with the desired exposure 
setting by adjusting both the shutter 
speed and aperture.
1Set the mode dial to M.
2Rotate the control dial to adjust 
the shutter speed, and while 
pressing the   button, rotate the 
control dial to adjust the aperture.
 You can select the item the control dial 
adjusts (shutter speed or aperture) with 
[Ctrl dial setup] (page 113). button
Shutter speed...

66
Notes The   (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure 
mode.
 When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is set to [100]. In M mode, 
the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sensitivity as necessary 
(page 82).
 Set the flash mode to   (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flash (page 75). 
However, the flash range differs according to the aperture value. When you shoot 
with the flash, check the flash range (page 77).
The EV scale in M mode
3Shoot...

Shooting images
67
 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)
This mode is suitable for
zShooting trails of light, such as 
fireworks.
zShooting trails of stars.
1Set the mode dial to M.
2Rotate the control dial to the left 
until [BULB] is indicated.
BULB
3While pressing the   button, 
rotate the control dial to adjust 
the aperture (F-number).
 button 

68
 Use a tripod.
 Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, 
etc.
 Use the wireless Remote Commander (sold separately) (page 93). 
Pressing the SHUTTER button on the Remote Commander triggers 
BULB shooting and pressing it again stops BULB shooting. You do not 
need to press and hold the SHUTTER button on the Remote Commander.
Notes When using a tripod, turn off the SteadyShot function (page 46).
 The longer the exposure time, the more conspicuous the noise on the image....

Using the shooting function
69
Using the shooting function
Selecting the focus method
There are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual focus.
Depending on the lens, the method for switching between the auto focus 
and manual focus is different.
The type of lensThe switch to be 
usedTo switch to auto 
focusTo switch to manual 
focus
The lens is 
equipped with a 
focus mode switchLens (Always set 
the focus mode 
switch on the 
camera to AF.)Set the focus mode 
switch on the lens to...

70
 To select the area used for focusing, set up [AF area] (page 73).
Focus indicator
Subjects that may require special focusing
Using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the following subjects. In such 
cases, use the focus lock shooting feature (page 71) or manual focus 
(page 74).
 A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue sky or a white wall.
 Two subjects at different distances overlapping in the AF area.
 A subject that is composed of repeating patterns, such as the facade of a 
building....