Sony Camera Alpha Slt A99 Instruction Manual

							11
Introduction of functions
Customization (42)The camera is equipped with a custom button that can be assigned a desired 
function.You can also assign functions to other buttons, such as the AEL 
button, or the ISO button. 
						

							12
Before use
Notes on using your camera
Shooting procedureThis camera has 2 modes for monitoring 
subjects: the LCD screen mode using the 
LCD screen, and the viewfinder mode 
using the viewfinder.
Notes on the functions available with 
the camera
 To check whether it is a 1080 60i-
compatible device or 1080 50i-
compatible device, check for the 
following marks on the bottom of the 
camera.
1080 60i-compatible device:60i
1080 50i-compatible device:50i
 This camera is compatible with 1080 60p 
or 50p-format movies. Unlike standard 
recording modes up to now, which record 
in an interlacing method, this camera 
records using a progressive method. This 
increases the resolution, and provides a 
smoother, more realistic image.
Shooting with a DT lensThis camera is equipped with a 35 mm, 
full-frame CMOS sensor, however, the 
image size is automatically set to that of the 
APS-C size setting, and the image size is 
smaller when a DT lens (“DT” is attached 
to the product name) is used.
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 screen, electronic 
viewfinder, lens, and image sensor
 The LCD screen and electronic 
viewfinder are 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 screen 
and electronic viewfinder. These points 
are normal in the manufacturing process 
and do not affect the images in any way.
 Do not hold the camera by the LCD 
screen.
 Do not expose the camera to sunlight or 
shoot sunward for a long time. The 
internal mechanism may be damaged. If 
sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it 
may cause a fire.
 There is a magnet on the back and around 
the rotating shaft of the hinge part of the 
LCD screen. Do not bring anything that 
is easily affected by a magnet, such as 
floppy disks or credit cards, near the 
LCD screen.
 Images may trail across on the screen in a 
cold location. This is not a malfunction. 
When turning on the camera in a cold 
location, the screen may become 
temporarily dark. When the camera 
warms up, the screen will function 
normally.
 The recorded image may be different 
from the image you monitored before 
recording.
Notes on long-time recording When you continue to shoot for a long 
time, the temperature of the camera rises. 
If the temperature reaches above a certain 
level, the   icon appears on the screen 
and the camera turns itself off 
automatically. If the power is turned off, 
leave the camera for 10 minutes or longer 
to allow the temperature inside the 
camera to decrease to a safe level.
 Under high ambient temperatures, the 
temperature of the camera rises quickly.
Screen languageYou can select the language displayed 
on the screen using the menu (page 47).  
						

							13
Notes on using your camera
Before use
 When the temperature of the camera 
rises, the image quality may deteriorate. 
It is recommended that you wait until the 
temperature of the camera drops before 
continuing to shoot.
 The surface of the camera may get warm. 
This is not a malfunction.
Notes on importing AVCHD movies to 
a computer
When importing AVCHD movies to a 
computer, for Windows computers, use the 
“PlayMemories Home” software on the 
CD-ROM (supplied).
Notes when playing movies on other 
devices
 This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 
High Profile for AVCHD format 
recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD 
format with this camera cannot be played 
with the following devices.
– Other devices compatible with 
AVCHD format that does not support 
High Profile
– Devices incompatible with the 
AVCHD format
This camera also uses MPEG-4 AVC/
H.264 Main Profile for MP4 format 
recording. For this reason, movies 
recorded in MP4 format with this camera 
cannot be played on devices other than 
those that support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.
 Discs recorded with HD image quality 
(high definition) can be played back only 
on AVCHD format-compatible devices. 
DVD-based players or recorders cannot 
play back HD image quality discs, as 
they are incompatible with the AVCHD 
format. Also, DVD-based players or 
recorders may fail to eject HD image 
quality discs.
 1080 60p/50p movies can be played back 
on compatible devices only.
On GPS-compatible devices (SLT-
A99V only)
 To determine whether your camera 
supports GPS function, check the model 
name of your camera. 
GPS-compatible: SLT-A99V
GPS-incompatible: SLT-A99
 Use GPS in accordance with regulations 
of countries and regions where you use it.
 If you do not record the location 
information, set [GPS On/Off] to [Off] 
(page 45).
 In an airplane, make sure to turn off the 
camera following cabin announcements.
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 manual
The data on performance and specifications 
is defined under the following conditions, 
except as described in this manual: at an 
ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC 
(77°F), and using a battery pack that has 
been fully charged for about 1 hour after 
the CHARGE lamp has turned off.
Notes on shooting with the 
viewfinder
This camera is equipped with an XGA 
Organic Electro-Luminescence viewfinder 
with high resolution and high contrast. This 
viewfinder achieves a wide viewing angle 
and a long eye relief. This camera is 
designed to provide an easily viewable 
viewfinder by appropriately balancing 
various elements.
 The image may be slightly distorted near 
the corners of the viewfinder. This is not 
a malfunction. When you want to check  
						

							14
Notes on using your camera
every detail of the entire composition, 
you can also use the LCD screen.
 If you pan the camera while looking into 
the viewfinder or move your eyes around, 
the image in the viewfinder may be 
distorted or the color of the image may 
change. This is a characteristic of the lens 
or display device and is not a 
malfunction. When you shoot an image, 
we recommend that you look at the 
center area of the viewfinder. 
						

							15
Before use
Before use
Checking the supplied items
Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility if all the 
accessories are not supplied.
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
 Camera (1)
 BC-VM10A Battery charger (1)
 Power cord (mains lead) (1)* (not 
supplied in the U.S.A. and 
Canada)
* Multiple power cords may be supplied 
with your camera. Use the appropriate 
one that matches your country/region.
 Rechargeable battery pack NP-
FM500H (1)
 Shoe adaptor (1)/Connector 
protective cap (1) (Attached on 
the Shoe adaptor)
 USB cable (1) Shoulder strap (1)
 Body cap (1) (Attached on the 
camera)
 Shoe Cap (1) (Attached on the 
camera)
 Eyepiece cup (1) (Attached on 
the camera)

– Application Software for α 
camera
–α Handbook
 Instruction Manual (1) (This 
manual) 
						

							16
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.
AAF illuminator (38)/Self-timer 
lamp
BShutter button (63)
CPower switch (57)
DFront control dial
ERemote sensor
FLens contacts*
GMounting index (55)
HMirror*
IPreview button (30, 42)
JMount
KCustom button (30, 42)
LLens release button (56)
MSilent multi-controller (32)
* Do not directly touch these 
parts.
Front side 
						

							17
Identifying parts
Before use
AMENU button (37)
BEyepiece cup (62)
CViewfinder* When you look into the 
viewfinder, the viewfinder 
mode is activated, and when 
you take your face away from 
the viewfinder, the viewing 
mode returns to the LCD screen 
mode.
DEyepiece sensors (62)
EDiopter-adjustment dial Adjust the diopter-adjustment 
dial to your eyesight until the 
display appears clearly in the 
viewfinder.
FLight sensor
GLCD screen (25, 59)
HMOVIE button (42, 65)
IFor shooting: AF/MF (Auto 
focus/manual focus) button (30, 
42)
For viewing:   (Enlarge) 
button (30)
JFor shooting: AEL (AE lock) 
button (30, 41)/SLOW SYNC 
button (30)
For viewing:   (Image index) 
button (30)
KMulti-selector
LFor shooting: Fn (Function) 
button (34, 35)
For viewing:   (Image 
rotation) button (30)
Rear side 
						

							18
Identifying parts
MDISP (Display) button (30)
N (Smart teleconverter) 
button (30, 42)/Zoom button 
(30)/Focus Magnifier button 
(30)
OFor shooting: AF RANGE 
button (30)
For viewing:   (Delete) button 
(67)
When the Fn screen or menu 
screen is displayed: In-Camera 
Guide button (48)
PAccess lamp (53)
Q (Playback) button (66)
* Do not directly touch this 
part. 
						

							19
Identifying parts
Before use
AMicrophone*
BMode dial lock release button 
(68)
CMode dial (68)
DMulti interface shoe** (24)
 Some of the accessories may 
not be inserted fully and 
protrude backward from the 
Multi interface shoe. However, 
the accessory reaches the front 
end of the shoe, the connection 
is completed.
EFINDER/LCD button (30)
FDisplay panel (29)
G (Drive) button (30)
HWB (White balance) button 
(30)
I (Exposure) button (30)
JISO button (41, 73)
KDisplay panel illumination 
button (29)
L Image sensor position 
mark
MRear control dial
*Do not cover this part 
during movie recording. 
Doing so may cause noise 
or lower the volume.
**For details on compatible 
accessories of the Multi 
interface shoe, visit the 
Sony web site in your area, 
or consult your Sony 
dealer or local authorized 
Sony service facility. 
Operations with other 
Top side 
						

							20
Identifying parts
manufactures’ 
accessories are not 
guaranteed.