Sony Alpha 7 User Guide

							Preparing the camera
GB51
Inserting a memory card (sold 
separately)
To remove the memory cardMake sure that the access lamp (page 17) is not lit, then push the memory 
card in once.
1Slide the lever to open the cover.
2Insert the memory card (sold 
separately).
 With the notched corner facing as 
illustrated, insert the memory card until 
it clicks into place.
Ensure the notched corner faces
correctly.
3Close the cover. 
						

							Inserting a memory card (sold separately)
GB52
You can use the following types of memory cards with this camera. 
However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all types of memory 
cards.
 In this manual, the products in the table are collectively referred to as follows:A: “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media
B: SD card
Notes Images recorded on a “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media or an SDXC memory 
card cannot be imported to or played on computers or AV devices that are not 
compatible with exFAT*. Make sure that the device is compatible with exFAT 
before connecting it to the camera. If you connect your camera to an incompatible 
device, you may be prompted to format the card.
Never format the card in response to this prompt, as doing so will erase all data on 
the card. 
* exFAT is the file system used on “Memory Stick XC-HG Duo” media and SDXC 
memory cards.
Memory cards that can be used
Memory cardFor still imagesFor movies
AMemory Stick PRO Duo  (Mark2 only)
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo
Memory Stick XC-HG Duo
BSD memory card  (Class 4 or faster)
SDHC memory card  (Class 4 or faster)
SDXC memory card  (Class 4 or faster) 
						

							Preparing the camera
GB53
Attaching a lens
Set the power switch of the camera to OFF before you attach or remove the 
lens.
1Remove the body cap from the 
camera and the rear lens cap 
from the rear of the lens.
 When changing the lens, quickly 
change the lens away from dusty 
locations to keep dust or debris from 
getting inside the camera.
When shooting, remove the front 
lens cap from the front of the lens.
2Mount the lens by aligning the 
white index marks (mounting 
indexes) on the lens and camera.
 Hold the camera with the lens facing 
down to prevent dust from entering into 
the camera.
3While pushing the lens lightly 
toward the camera, turn the lens 
clockwise until it clicks into the 
locked position.
 Be sure to put the lens on straight.
Rear lens capBody cap Front lens cap
White index marks 
						

							Attaching a lens
GB54
Notes When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.
 Do not use force when attaching a lens.
 The Mount Adaptor (sold separately) is required to use an A-mount lens (sold 
separately). To use the Mount Adaptor, refer to the operating manual supplied with 
the Mount Adaptor.
 When you want to shoot full-frame images, use a lens designed for a full-frame 
camera.
 When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the lens 
firmly.
 Do not hold the part of the lens that is extended for the zoom or focus adjustment.
To remove the lens
1Press the lens release button all the 
way in and turn the lens 
counterclockwise until it stops.
2Attach the caps to the front and 
rear of the lens and the body cap 
to the camera.
 Before you attach them, remove any 
dust from them.
Lens release button 
						

							Attaching a lens
Preparing the camera
GB55
Notes on changing the lensWhen changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and 
adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that converts the light to 
an electric signal), it may appear as dark spots 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, always make sure to quickly change 
the lens away from dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens. 
						

							GB56
Setting the date and time
When you turn on the camera for the first time or after you initialize the 
functions, the screen to set the date and time appears.
To cancel the date and time setting operationPress the MENU button.
1Set the power switch to ON to turn 
on the camera.
The screen to set the date and time 
appears.
 To turn the camera off, set the power 
switch to OFF.
2Check that [Enter] is selected on 
the screen, then press z on the 
control wheel.
3Select a desired geographic location, then press z.
4Press v/V on the control wheel, or select a setting item by 
turning the control wheel, then press z.
5Press v/V/b/B, or select a desired setting by turning the 
control wheel, then press z.
6Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set other items, then select [Enter] and 
press z on the control wheel. 
						

							Setting the date and time
Preparing the camera
GB57
The date and time setup screen appears automatically when the power is 
turned on for the first time or when the internal rechargeable backup battery 
has been discharged. To reset the date and time, use the menu.
Maintaining the date and time settingThis camera has an internal rechargeable battery for maintaining the date 
and time and other settings regardless of whether the power is on or off, or 
the battery is installed or not.
Setting the date/time and area again
MENU button t   (Setup) 4 t 
[Date/Time Setup] or [Area Setting] 
(page 43)
MENU button 
						

							GB58
Shooting a clear movie without camera 
shake
“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs 
after the shutter button has been pressed, resulting in a blurred image.
To reduce camera shake follow the instructions below.
Notes The camera shake warning indicator does not appear in the following situations: 
– The exposure mode is set to M/S, or during movie recording.
–  When the viewing mode is set to [No Disp. Info.], [Level], or [Histogram].
When a lens equipped with the camera shake compensation function is 
used, the SteadyShot function is available for this camera to reduce camera 
shake.
MENU button t    (Camera Settings) 6 t [SteadyShot] t 
Select the desired setting
Notes The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been 
turned on, right after you point the camera towards a subject, or when the shutter 
button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.
Camera shake warning indicator
In situations where the camera may be 
subject to camera-shake, the   
(Camera shake warning) indicator 
flashes. In this case, use a tripod or the 
flash.
   (Camera shake warning)
indicator
Using the SteadyShot function 
						

							Shooting a clear movie without camera shake
Preparing the camera
GB59
 When using a tripod, deactivate the SteadyShot function because there is a potential 
for malfunction of the SteadyShot function.
Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the 
camera from moving.
Point 1One hand holds the grip of the camera, and the other hand supports the lens.
Point 
2Take a secure stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Point 
3Lightly tuck your elbows against your body.
When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing 
your elbow on your knee.
Holding the camera properly
In viewfinder modeIn LCD screen mode 
						

							GB60
Removing the Eyepiece cup
When attaching the FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) to the 
camera, remove the Eyepiece cup.
Notes When an FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) is attached to the camera, 
switch the display between the viewfinder and the LCD screen by setting [FINDER/
MONITOR] in   (Custom Settings) 3.
Remove the Eyepiece cup.
 Put your fingers under the Eyepiece 
cup, and slide it upward.