Sony A 230 Manual

							
DSLR-A230 4-147-790-11 (1)
Printed using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.
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-A230
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-A230
Serial No. __________________________
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do 
not expose the unit to rain or 
moisture.IMPORTANT SAFETY 
INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE 
INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER - TO 
REDUCE THE RISK 
OF FIRE OR 
ELECTRIC SHOCK, 
CAREFULLY 
FOLLOW THESE 
INSTRUCTIONS.
If the shape of the plug does not fit the 
power outlet, use an attachment plug 
adaptor of the proper configuration for the 
power outlet.
Battery packIf the battery pack is mishandled, the 
battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even 
chemical burns. Observe the following 
cautions.
• Do not disassemble.
 Do not crush and do not expose the 
battery pack to any shock or force such as 
hammering, dropping or stepping on it.
 Do not short circuit and do not allow 
metal objects to come into contact with 
the battery terminals.
 Do not expose to high temperature above 
60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or 
in a car parked in the sun.
 Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.
 Do not handle damaged or leaking 
lithium ion batteries.
 Be sure to charge the battery pack using a 
genuine Sony battery charger or a device 
that can charge the battery pack.
WARNING
Caution 
						

							3
 Keep the battery pack out of the reach of 
small children.
 Keep the battery pack dry.
 Replace only with the same or equivalent 
type recommended by Sony.
 Dispose of used battery pack promptly 
described the instructions.
Battery chargerEven 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).
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.UL is an internationally recognized safety 
organization.
This product has received UL Listing.
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.
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-A230
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. 
						

							4
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.
Notice for the customers in the 
countries applying EU Directives
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.
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.
For Customers in Europe 
						

							5
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.
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. 
						

							6
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.
Notice for customers in the 
United Kingdom 
						

							7
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.
On the data specifications described 
in this Instruction Manual
The data on performance and specifications 
is defined under the following conditions, 
except as described in this Instruction 
Manual: at an ordinary ambient 
temperature of 25ºC (77°F), and using a 
fully charged battery pack.
Black, white, red, 
blue and green 
points 
						

							8
Table of Contents
Notes on using your camera  .............................................. 7
Preparing the 
cameraChecking the accessories supplied .................................. 11
Preparing the battery pack  ............................................... 12
Attaching a lens  ............................................................... 18
Inserting a memory card  .................................................. 20
Preparing the camera  ....................................................... 23
Using the accessories supplied  ........................................ 25
Checking the number of recordable images  .................... 27
Cleaning ........................................................................... 29
Before your 
operationIdentifying parts and screen indicators  ............................ 32
Front side .................................................................... 32
Rear side  ..................................................................... 33
Sides/Bottom .............................................................. 34
Switching the recording information display (DISP)
............................................................................ 35
LCD monitor (Graphic Display)  ................................ 36
LCD monitor (Standard Display)  ............................... 38
Viewfinder .................................................................. 40
Selecting a function/setting  ............................................. 41
The functions selected by the Control button  ............ 42
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button ... 43
The functions selected by the MENU button  ............. 43
Shooting imagesShooting an image without camera shake  ....................... 45
Correct posture  ........................................................... 45
Using the SteadyShot function  ................................... 46
Using a tripod  ............................................................. 47
/  Shooting with the automatic setting............... 48
Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene 
Selection) .................................................................... 51
 Taking portrait photos  .......................................... 52
 Taking landscape photos  ...................................... 53
 Taking small-subject photos  ................................ 54
 Taking moving-subject photos  ............................. 55
 Taking sunset photos  ........................................... 56
 Taking night view photos .................................... 57 
						

							9
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)
..................................................................................... 58
 Shooting with program auto  .................................. 60
 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background 
(Aperture priority)  ............................................. 61
 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions 
(Shutter speed priority)  ..................................... 63
 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually 
(Manual exposure)  ............................................ 65
 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) .......... 67
Using the 
shooting functionSelecting the focus method .............................................. 69
Using autofocus .......................................................... 69
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)
............................................................................ 71
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the 
subject (Autofocus mode) ................................. 72
Selecting the focus area (AF area)  ............................. 73
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus)  ........... 74
Using the flash  ................................................................. 75
Performing wireless flash shooting  ............................ 78
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash 
compensation, Metering) ............................................ 79
Using brightness compensation for the entire image 
(Exposure compensation) .................................. 79
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)
............................................................................ 80
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a 
subject (Metering mode)  ................................... 81
Setting ISO  ...................................................................... 82
Adjusting the color tones (White balance)  ...................... 83
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source 
(Auto/Preset white balance) .............................. 83
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) .. 84 
						

							10
Image processing  ............................................................. 86
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range 
Optimizer) ......................................................... 86
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)
............................................................................ 86
Changing the range of color reproduction (Color Space)
............................................................................ 88
 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) .............................................................. 91
Shooting with the Remote Commander  ..................... 93
Using the viewing 
functionPlaying back images  ........................................................ 94
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  ............................ 108
Setting the method for recording on a memory card  ..... 110
Changing the noise reduction setting  ............................ 112
Changing the functions of the control dial  .................... 113
Changing other settings  ................................................. 114
Setting the LCD monitor  ............................................... 116
Confirming the version of the camera  ........................... 118
Resetting to the default  .................................................. 119
Viewing images 
on a computerCopying images to your computer  ................................ 121
Viewing images on your computer ................................ 125
Using the software  ......................................................... 129
Printing imagesSpecifying DPOF ........................................................... 135
Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge 
compliant printer  ...................................................... 137
OthersSpecifications ................................................................ 140
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 144
Warning messages  ......................................................... 153
Precautions .................................................................... 156
Index .............................................................................. 158