4-590-091-11(1) Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera A-mount Instruction Manual “Help Guide” (Web manual) Refer to “Help Guide” for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camera. http://rd1.sony.
English Learning more about the camera (“Help Guide”) Owner’s Record Record the model and serial number (which are located on the product) in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. ILCASerial No. WARNING “Help Guide” is an on-line manual. You can read the “Help Guide” on your computer or smartphone. Refer to it for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camera. URL: http://rd1.sony.
CAUTION Battery pack If 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.
For Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada 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.call2recycle.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
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.
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 and the electrical and electronic equipment will be treated properly, hand over these products at endof-life to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.
Before use Notes on using your camera Screen language You can select the language displayed on the screen using the menu. Shooting procedure Functions built into this camera This manual describes 1080 60i-compatible devices and 1080 50i-compatible devices. Creating an image database file If you insert a memory card that does not contain an image database file into the camera and turn on the power, the camera automatically creates an image database file using some of the memory card’s capacity.
Notes on using your camera Notes on shooting with the viewfinder Notes on recording for long periods of time This camera is equipped with an 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.
Notes on using your camera On the data specifications described in this manual • Movies recorded with this camera may not be played back correctly on other devices. Also, movies recorded with other devices may not be played back correctly on this camera. • Discs created from AVCHD movies recorded by this camera can be played back only on AVCHD-compatible devices. DVD players or recorders cannot play back discs created from AVCHD movies, as they are incompatible with the AVCHD format.
Before use Checking the supplied items First check the model name of your camera (page 6). The accessories supplied differ depending on the model. The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces. Supplied with all models: • Shoulder strap (1) • Camera (1) • Battery charger BC-VM10A (1) For how to attach the shoulder strap to the camera, refer to page 15. • Power cord (mains lead) (1)* (supplied in some countries/ regions) * Multiple power cords may be supplied with your camera.
Identifying parts See the pages in parentheses for details on operation for the parts. Front side Before use A Shutter button (30) K Mode dial lock release button (30, 35) B Power switch (28) C Control dial (17) D Self-timer lamp E Lens contacts*1 F Mirror* M (Flash pop-up) button N Mounting index (26) O Lens release button (27) 1 G Preview button H Mount I Built-in flash* L Mode dial (35) 1 • Press the (Flash pop-up) button to use the flash.
Identifying parts Rear side A Eyepiece cup F Monitor B Eye sensor G MOVIE button (32) C MENU button (19) H For shooting: C1 (Custom 1) D Viewfinder* • When you look into the viewfinder, the viewfinder mode is activated, and when you take your face away from the viewfinder, the screen mode returns to the monitor mode. E Diopter-adjustment dial • Adjust the diopter-adjustment dial according to your eyesight until the display appears clearly in the viewfinder.
Identifying parts K For shooting: Fn (Function) button (18) For viewing: (Image rotation) button L C2 (Custom 2) button For viewing: (34) Before use M (Delete) button (Playback) button (33) * Do not directly touch this part.
Identifying parts Top side A Multi interface shoe* B FINDER/MONITOR button C Display panel D (Drive mode) button E WB (White balance) button F (Exposure compensation) button G ISO button H (Display panel illumination) button I Image sensor position mark GB 14 * For details on compatible accessories of the Multi interface shoe, visit the Sony website in your area, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Accessories for the Accessory Shoe can also be used.
Identifying parts Sides/Bottom Before use A Hooks for shoulder strap • Attach both ends of the strap onto the camera. C Speaker D DC IN terminal • When connecting the ACPW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately) to the camera, turn the camera off, then plug the connector of the AC Adaptor to the DC IN terminal on the camera. E HDMI micro jack F Multi/Micro USB Terminal* • Supports Micro USB compatible device.
Identifying parts L Tripod socket hole • Use a tripod with a screw less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inches) long. Otherwise, you cannot firmly secure the camera, and damage to the camera may occur. Lens DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II (Supplied with the ILCA-68K) * For details on compatible accessories for the Multi/Micro USB Terminal, visit the Sony website, or consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Functions list Operating the camera How to use the control wheel How to use the control dial You can turn the control dial to change the settings required for each shooting mode with immediate effect. GB 17 Functions list • You can turn the control wheel or press up/down/left/right on the control wheel to move the selection frame. Press z in the center of the control wheel to set the selected item.
Selecting a function using the Fn (Function) button This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in shooting, except for functions from the Quick Navi screen. The displayed contents and their position shown below are just a guideline, and may differ from the actual display. 1 Press DISP on the control wheel to set the screen mode to other than [For viewfinder]. 2 Press the Fn button. 3 Select the desired item using v/V/b/B on the control wheel. The setting screen appears.
Functions that can be selected using the MENU button You can set up the basic settings for the camera as a whole, or execute functions such as shooting, playback, or other operations. 1 Press MENU button to display the menu screen. 2 Select the desired setting item using Functions list v/V/b/B on the control wheel or by turning the control wheel, and then press z on the center of the control wheel.
Using the In-Camera Guide You can use [Custom Key Settings] to assign In-Camera Guide to the desired button. The In-Camera Guide displays explanations for the currently selected menu function or setting. MENU button t (Custom Settings) t [Custom Key Settings] t Select the desired button assigned to the function. t [InCamera Guide] Press the MENU button and use the control wheel to select a MENU item whose explanation you want to read, and then press the button to which [In-Camera Guide] is assigned.
Preparing the camera Charging the battery pack When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM™ battery pack (supplied). The InfoLITHIUM battery pack can be charged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not been fully charged. The charged battery pack is discharged little by little, even when you do not use it. To avoid missing an opportunity to shoot, charge the battery pack again before shooting.
Charging the battery pack 2 Connect the battery charger to the wall outlet (wall socket). • How to connect the battery charger may differ depending on the country/ region. Light on: Charging Light off: Charge completed Charging time (Full charge) With the battery charger that can be connected to the wall outlet (wall socket) directly Approx. 175 minutes • When charging a fully depleted battery pack at a temperature of 25°C (77°F). • The CHARGE lamp turns off when charging is completed.
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately) 1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the cover. 2 Firmly insert the battery pack all Preparing the camera the way while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery. Lock lever 3 Close the cover. 4 Slide the memory card cover to open it.
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately) 5 Insert a memory card. • With the notched corner facing as illustrated, insert the memory card until it clicks into place. Ensure the notched corner faces correctly 6 Close the cover. To remove the battery pack Turn off the camera and slide the lock lever in the direction of the arrow. Be careful not to drop the battery pack.
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately) “Battery exhausted.” Battery level High Low You cannot shoot any more pictures.
Attaching a lens Set the power switch of the camera to OFF before you attach or remove the lens. 1 Remove the body cap from the Front lens cap camera and the packaging lid from the rear of the lens. • When changing the lens, change the lens quickly somewhere 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.
Attaching a lens Notes • When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button. • Do not use force when attaching a lens. • E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera. • When you use a lens for which a tripod socket is provided, attach the lens onto the tripod using the tripod socket provided to help balance the weight of the lens. • When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the lens firmly.
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. 1 Set 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. 2 Check that [Enter] is selected on the screen, then press z on the control wheel. 3 Select a desired geographic location, and then press z.
Setting the date and time Checking or resetting the date/time and area 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.
Shooting and viewing images Shooting still images In auto mode, the camera analyzes the subject and allows you to shoot with the appropriate settings. 1 Set the power switch to ON to turn on the camera. 2 Set the mode dial to (Auto Mode). • Turn the mode dial while pressing the mode dial lock release button on the center of the mode dial. 3 Look into the viewfinder and hold the camera. When using a zoom lens, adjust the zoom ring to the proper size of the subject.
Shooting still images To shoot in dark environments Use the flash to light up the subject while shooting and to prevent camerashake. Press the (Flash pop-up) button to pop up the flash, then press the shutter button fully down. You can select an appropriate flash mode to suit your purposes. For details on flash mode, refer to “Help Guide.
Recording movies 1 Set the mode dial to (Movie). • When the [MOVIE Button] is set to [Always], the movie recording can be started from any shooting mode. 2 Press the MOVIE button to start MOVIE button recording. 3 Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording. Notes • The sound of the camera in operation may be recorded while recording a movie. You can disable the sound recording by setting [Audio Recording] to [Off].
Playing back images 1 Press the button. button 2 Select an image by pressing the b/B on the control wheel. • To play back movies, press z on the control wheel. Control panel Action during movie playback N Playback X Pause M Fast forward m Fast rewind T Forward slow playback t Rewind slow playback > Next movie . Previous movie C Frame advance c Frame rewind Volume settings Closes the control panel Notes • Movies recorded using other devices may not play back on this camera.
Deleting images Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Be sure that you want to delete the image before proceeding. 1 While displaying the image you want to delete, press the (Delete) button. (Delete) button 2 Select [Delete] with v/V on the control wheel, then press z. • To delete several images at a time, select MENU button t t [Delete]. Notes • Protected images cannot be deleted.
Selecting a shooting mode Selecting a shooting mode Turn the mode dial while pressing the mode dial lock release button on the center of the mode dial. The following shooting modes are available. (Auto Mode) Allows you to shoot still images with the settings adjusted automatically. (Program Auto) Shoots by adjusting the aperture and changing the focus range, or by defocus the background. (Shutter Priority) Adjusts the shutter speed to show the movement of the subject.
Viewing images on a computer Using the software Use the following applications to optimize use of the images shot with your camera. • Image Data Converter • PlayMemories Home • Remote Camera Control For details on installation, see pages 37 to 40. System requirements You can find the system requirements for the software at the following URL: http://www.sony.
Using the software Using Image Data Converter With Image Data Converter, you can do the following: • You can play back and edit images recorded in RAW format with various corrections, such as tone curve and sharpness. • You can adjust images with white balance, exposure, and [Creative Style], etc. • You can save the images displayed and edited on a computer. You can either save the image as RAW format or save it in a general file format.
Using the software Using PlayMemories Home The software PlayMemories Home allows you to import still images and movies to your computer and use them. PlayMemories Home is required for importing XAVC S movies or AVCHD movies to your computer.
Using the software • Movies recorded using the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)], [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p 24M(FX)] setting in [ Record Setting] are converted by PlayMemories Home to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time. Also, you cannot create a disc with the original image quality. If you want to keep the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray Disc.
Using the software Installing Remote Camera Control 1 Using the Internet browser on your computer, go to the following URL. Windows: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Win/ Mac: http://www.sony.co.jp/imsoft/Mac/ 2 Follow the instructions on the screen to download and install Remote Camera Control. Notes • An Internet connection is required to install Remote Camera Control.
Others Checking the number of images and recordable time of movies When you insert a memory card into the camera and set the power switch to ON, the number of images that can be recorded (should you continue to shoot using the current settings) is displayed on the screen. Notes • When “0” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete images from the current memory card (page 34).
Checking the number of images and recordable time of movies The number of images that can be recorded using a battery pack Note that the actual numbers may differ depending on the conditions of use. Shooting (still images) Battery life Number of images — Approx. 580 images Viewfinder — Approx. 540 images Monitor Actual shooting (movies) Monitor Approx. 130 min. — Viewfinder Approx. 130 min. — Continuous shooting (movies) Monitor Approx. 220 min. — Viewfinder Approx. 220 min.
Checking the number of images and recordable time of movies • The number of minutes for movie shooting is based on the CIPA standard, and are for shooting under the following conditions: –[ Record Setting] is set to [30p 50M]/[25p 50M]. – Typical movie shooting: Battery life based on repeatedly shooting, zooming, shooting stand-by, turning on/off, etc.
Checking the number of images and recordable time of movies Notes • The recordable time of movies varies because the camera is equipped with VBR (Variable Bit-Rate), which automatically adjusts image quality depending on the shooting scene. When you record a fast-moving subject, the image is clearer but the recordable time is shorter because more memory is required for recording. The recordable time also varies depending on the shooting conditions, the subject or the image quality/size settings.
Checking the number of images and recordable time of movies • If you observe the following points, the recording time will be longer. – Keep the camera out of direct sunlight. – Turn the camera off when it is not being used. • The maximum size of a movie file is about 2 GB, when [ File Format] is set to [AVCHD]. When the file size is about 2 GB, a new movie file is created automatically. • The maximum continuous recording time is 29 minutes.
Specifications Camera [System] Camera Type: Built-In-Flash Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Lens: Sony A-mount lens [Image sensor] Image format: 23.5 mm × 15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image sensor Effective pixel number of camera: Approx. 24 160 000 pixels Total pixel number of image sensor: Approx.
Specifications Aperture F2.8 F4.0 F5.6 100 1 m – 4.3 m (3.3 ft. – 14.1 ft.) 1m– 3m (3.3 ft. – 9.8 ft.) 1m– 2.1 m (3.3 ft. – 7.0 ft.) 200 1 m – 6.1 m (3.3 ft. – 19.9 ft.) 1m– 4.2 m (3.3 ft. – 13.9 ft.) 1m– 3m (3.3 ft. – 9.9 ft.) 400 1.4 m – 8.6 m (4.7 ft. – 28.1 ft.) 1m– 6m (3.3 ft. – 19.7 ft.) 1m– 4.3 m (3.3 ft. – 14.1 ft.) 800 2 m – 12 m (6.6 ft. – 39.8 ft.) 1.4 m – 8.5 m (4.6 ft. – 27.8 ft.) 1m– 6.1 m (3.3 ft. – 19.9 ft.
Specifications [Continuous shooting] Continuous shooting speed: [Tele-zoom Cont. AE]: Maximum 8 images per second/ : Maximum 5 images per second/ : Maximum 2.5 images per second • Based on our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting can be slower, depending on the shooting conditions. The maximum number of continuous shots: In [Tele-zoom Cont.
Specifications [Power consumption (while shooting)] When using a DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II* When using the viewfinder: Approx. 2.7 W When using the screen: Approx. 2.5 W * Supplied with ILCA-68K. Battery charger BC-VM10A Input rating: AC 100 V – 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz, 9 W Output rating: DC 8.4 V, 0.75 A Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H Battery type: Lithium-ion battery Maximum voltage: DC 8.4 V Nominal voltage: DC 7.2 V Maximum charge voltage: DC 8.4 V Maximum charge current: 2.0 A Capacity: 11.
Specifications Lens DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II (Supplied with ILCA68K) Focal length: Equivalent 35 mmformat focal length*1: 27 mm – 82.5 mm Lens groups/elements: 7/8 Angle of view*1: 76° – 29° Minimum focus*2: 0.25 m (0.82 ft.) Maximum magnification: 0.34 Minimum f-stop: f/22 – f/36 Filter diameter: 55 mm Dimensions (max. diameter × height): Approx. 71.6 mm × 69 mm (Approx. 2 7/8 inches × 2 3/4 inches) Mass: Approx. 222 g (Approx. 7 7/8 oz.
Specifications Others Trademarks • Memory Stick and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • XAVC S and are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “AVCHD Progressive” and the “AVCHD Progressive” logotype are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation. • Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Index Index A H Area Setting ................................28 AUTO .........................................30 Auto Mode..................................30 Help Guide................................... 2 B I Image Data Converter................ 37 In-Camera Guide ....................... 20 Battery pack..........................21, 23 L C CHARGE lamp...........................22 Charging battery pack.................21 Computer ....................................36 Control wheel .................
Index S Set the clock............................... 28 Shooting ..................................... 30 Shooting mode ........................... 35 Shooting still images.................. 30 Shoulder strap ............................ 15 Software ..................................... 36 Specifications............................. 46 V Viewfinder ................................. 12 Viewing image ...........................
Index GB 54
Index Index GB 55
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.