Sony DSLR-A390 Instruction Manual

Digital single lens reflex camera

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Instruction manual (237 pages)

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4-191-056-11

(1)

function

Additional

infbrmation

on this product

and

answers

to fYequently

asked

questions

can be

iound

at our Customer

Support

Website.

http://www.sony.net/

Printed

using VO(; (\%latile

Organic

(;ompound)

fl'ee vegetable

oil based ink.

Printed in Thailand

]

IIIII IIIIIIII

4191056110

_390

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

Instruction

Manual

DSLR-A390

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InfoLITHIUM

H.--iml

SERIESMEMORY

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Viewing imagesona

computer

Printingimages

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Summary of Contents for Sony DSLR-A390

Page 1 Customer Support Website. DSLR-A390 http://www.sony.net/ Printed using VO(; (\%latile Organic IIIII IIIIIIII (;ompound) fl'ee vegetable oil based ink. H.--iml ¢_ InfoLITHIUM SERIESMEMORY STI_K T,,, ,o,, _ ,_, , o_o_ , _o,,,, ..Printed in Thailand 4191056110 © 2010 Sony Corporation...
Page 2 This m ode is suitable for Putting thesubject insharp focus anaD_ur everything infront o fand beyond t hesubject. Opening m e aperture n arrows [nerange [natisin focus. ( Depth o ffieldbecomes snallower Shootingthe depthof thescenery. Narrowingdowntheaperture widens me range[natis infocus.(Depthof field becomesdeeper.) Setthe mode dialtoA.
Page 3 2 Selecttheaperture value(F- number) w iththecontrol d ial. • Smaller F-nnmber: The t\_regronnd and background of the subject are blurred. Larger F-number: The subject and its t_reground and background are all in t_cus. • Yon cannot check the blurring of an image on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.
Page 4 This mode is suitable for Shootinga movingsubjectata moment _ time.Usea fastershutter speedto crisplyshooran instantof me movemem. -racingmemovemen[[oexpress me dynamismandflow.Usea slower snu[rerspeeato snoota[rai ing imageof themovingsubject. 1 Setthe mode dialto S.
Page 5 2 Selecttheshutter speed withthe control d ial. Shutter speed Adjust t hefocus andshoot t he subject. Tile aperture is autonmtically adjusted obtain correct exposure. • When the camera judges that the proper exposure is not obtained with the Aperture (F-number) selected shutter speed, the aperture value flashes.
Page 6 This mode is suitable for Shootingwiththe desiredexDosure selting byadjustingDOra [nesnu[ter speeaanaaperrure. 1 Setthe mode dialto M. 2 Rotate the control dialto adjust theshutter speed,andwhile pressing the[] button, r otate the control d ialtoadjust t heaperture. • You can select tire item the control dial button adjusts (shutter...
Page 7 3 Shoot t heimageafterthe exposure isset. • Check the exposure _,alue on the EV scale. Toward +: hnages become brighter. Toward -: Images become darker. Standard value The _1 _ arrow appears if the set exposure is beyond the range of the EV scale.
Page 8 This mode is suitable for _Shooting trails of light, sucnas fire_OrKS. Shootingtrails of stars 1 Setthe mode dialto IVI. 2 Rotate thecontrol d ialtothe left until [BULB] i s indicated. FiNE M_¸iii_ _J _iii BULB 3 Whilepressing the[] button, rotatethecontrol d ialto adjust theaperture (F-number).
Page 9 Presstheshutterbutton halfway downtoadjustthefocus. 5 Pressandhold theshutter button for theduration ofthe shooting. As long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open. • Use a tripod. • Set the focus to infinity ill manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc.
Page 10 Shooting with the viewfinder (0VF) You call select either the LCD monitor (Live View') or the view'finder (OVF) to shoot images, Set the LIVEVIEW/0VF switchto "0VF." VmEW The screen status changes as follows: 4' Jil;ill ao-r'v3o v25o v4ooo €/J [? [;i _o_o I D Viewfinder display LCD monitor display...
Page 11 Adjust t he diopter-adjustment dial toyoureyesight u ntilthe indicators appear clearlyintheviewfinder. • Turn the dial toward + when you are lhr= sighted, toward - when you are near-sighted. • Training the camera on a light allows you to adjust the diopter easily. Whenit is hardto rotate the diopter-adjustment dial Put your fingers...
Page 12 Press DISP on the control button .._,_ switch between the Graphic Display the Standard Display. When you rotate the camera to a vertical position, the display automatically rotates to adjust to the camera position. Graphic Display Standard Display (Default s etting)
Page 13 The Graphic Display graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrates how' the exposure works. Ill AUTO or Scene Selection mode, only the items that call be set are displayed. See the pages ill parentheses for details of operation.
Page 14 iiiit ii iiiiTiiliii illliiii iiiliiliiliiliiliiliiliiliili; ..Remaining ballery (18) Image quality (117) RAW+J FiNE STD L-d U_ Image size <116)/Aspecl g'_ L-_ ralio(ll6) Memory card(22) Remaining nmnber of recordable images (29)
Page 15 See pages ill parentheses for details of operation. In AUTOor Scene Selection mode In P/A/S/Mmode 1/125 F5.6 _<_ 1/125 F5.6 +2.0,<_ ![P,Pr°ir AUTO A_TO [] AUTO FiNE _ • _1 FiNE E2L _ Focus mode (78) Nt,IPASM Mode dial (47 _ i._i _.'_.'_."...
Page 16 iiiit_ii_iiiiTiiliii_illliiii_iiiliiliiliiliiliiliiliiliili; ..Remaining ballery (18) Image quality (117) RAW+J FiNE C-_ _ Image size (116)/Aspecl L'_ _ss ralio(ll6) Memory card(22) Remaining nmnber ol recordable images (29)
Page 17 t25 5,6 .._ ..':' When using the HVL=F58AM/HVL= F42AM Flash (sold separately), can shoot with the High-speed sync AF area (79) featm'e at any shutter speed. Shooting area for aspect details, re[izr to the nperating ratin 16:9 (116) instructions supplied with the flash.
Page 18: Selectingthe Focusmethod
Selectingthe focusmethod 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 switch to he To switch to auto To switch to manual The type of lens used locus...
Page 19 Presstheshutterbutton halfway Focus area sensor down tocheck thefocus andshoot theimage. • When the t_cus is confimled, the t_cus indicator changes to • or (@) (below). • The green frames are indicated at an area where the focus has been confirmed. Focus indicator •...
Page 20 subject To measure the exact distance to the mark located on the top of the camera shows the location of the image sensor*. When you measure the exact distance between the camera and the subject, refer to the position of the horizontal line.
Page 21 Fnbutton -+ [Autofocus mode]-+ Selectthedesired setting (Single-shot The camera focuses and the Focus is locked when you press the shutter button hall\vay down. (Automatic AF) The JAutofocus mode] is switched between Single-shot and Continuous AF according to the movement of the subject.
Page 22 Select the desired AF area to suit the shooting conditions or your preference. The green frames are indicated at all area where the focus has been confirmed. • The area used for focusing is illuminated briefly ill view'finder mode. Area Fnbutton --+ [AFarea]--+ Selectthedesired setting ] (Wide) The camera determines which of the nine AF areas is used in...
Page 23 When it is difficult to get the proper focus ill autofocus mode, you call adjust the focus manually. Setthefocusmode switch on the lensto IVIF. 2 Whenthelensis notequipped withthefocusmodeswitch,set thefocusmode switch on the camera to IVIF. 3 Rotate thefocusingringof the lensto achieve a sharp focus. Noles •...
Page 24: Zooming In In One Step
Zooming in in one step You call zoom ill to the center of all image using the smart teleconverter (Digital zoom) and record the image. Setthe LIVEVIEW/OVF s witch to "LIVEVIEW." 2 Pressthe :[],_button. _o_ button • Each time you press the ="_ button, the zoom scaling changes as t_llows:...
Page 25: Using The Flash
Usingthe flash [n a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly, and it also helps to prevent camera shake. When shooting into the sun, you call use the flash to shoot a bright image of the backlit subject.
Page 26 (_) (Flash Off) Does not fire even if it is dark. (Aotoflash) Fires if it is dark or against light. (Fill-flash) Fires every time you trigger the shutter. (SIow syflc.) Fires every time you trigger the shutter. Slow sync shooting allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the background by slowing the shutter speed.
Page 27 Theflash range The range of the built-in flash depends on the [SO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table. Aperture F2.8 F4.0 F5.6 AUTO 7.1m(4.6 5m(3.3 1-3.6m(3.3 setting leer) feet) li_et) 1-3.6m(3.3 2.5m(3.3 1-1.8m(3.3 IL'et) feet) li_et) 2{)(} 1-5.1 m(3.3 3.5m(3.3...
Page 28 With an external wireless flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the flash without a cord when the external flash is not attached to the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you can shoot an image with a three dimensional feel by highlighting the contrast...
Page 29: Adjusting The Brightnessof The Image (Exposure, F Lashcompensation, Metering)
Adjusting the brightnessof the image (Exposure, F lashcompensation, Metering) Except for recording mode M, the exposure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure). Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, you call perform exposure compensation by shifting the exposure to either the + side or the - side, depending on your preference.
Page 30 Adjust t hefocus andshoot t hesubject. • Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image, • Using bracket shooting, you call shoot multiple images with the exposure shifted to the plus o1"minus sides (page 99). Note • This item cannot be sel when the exposure mode is sel to AUTO, M <Manual exposure) or Scene Selection.
Page 31 The exposure compensation will change the histogram accordingly. The right illustration is all example. Shooting with the exposure compensation on the positive side brightens the whole picture, making entire histogram shift to the bright side (right side). If the exposure compensation is applied on the negative...
Page 32 Rotes • This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection. • lfyou have adjusted the flash level, appears on the LCD monitor/in viewfinder when the built=in flash is pulled up. When you adjust it, be careflfl not to forget...
Page 33: Setting Iso
Setting ISO Sensitivity to light is expressed by the [SO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity. PressISOon thecontrol b utton to display theISOscreen. _i¸¸2¸!11 _iiiiiiiiill 2 Selectthedesired valuewithA_ on thecontrol b utton. • The larger the number, the higher the noise level. Noles •When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, 1SO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select other ISO numbers.
Page 34: Adjusting The Colortones(White Balance)
Adjusting the colortones(White balance) The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics the light source. The table below' shows how' the color tone changes based on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under the sunlight.
Page 35 AWB (Auto WB) The camera automatically detects a light source and adjusts the color tones. _(Daylight) If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the color tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance). _(Shade) (Cloudy) ,_ (Tungsten) _(Fluorescent)
Page 36 Pressthecenter of thecontrol b utton. monitor returns to tile recording int_nnation display with the memorized custom white balance setting retained. • The custom white balance setting registered in this operation is effective until a new setting is registered. Role • The message "Custom WB error"...
Page 37: Image Processing
Imageprocessing Fnbutton --4 [D-RangeOptimizer] --4 Selectthedesired setting i_FF (Off) optimizatioll. (Standard) When there is a sharp contrast of light and shadow between tile suhject and tile background, which is common when shooting into the sun, the camera attenuates tile contrast across tile entire image to produce an image with proper brightness and contrast.
Page 38 (Standard) For shooting various scenes wilh rich gradation and beautiful colors. (Vivid) The saluralion and contrasl are heighlened fbr shooting striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views. (Portrait) For shooling tile skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited to shooting portraits.
Page 39 The way colors are represented with combinations of numbers or the range of color reproduction is called "color space." You call change the color space, depending on your purpose. MENUbutton --, a 2 --, [Color Space]--, Selectthedesired setting sRGB This is the standard color space of the digital camera. Use sRGB in normal shooting, such as when you intend to print out the images without any modification.
Page 40: Selecting The Drive Mode
Selectingthe drivemode This camera has five drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. on thecontrol b utton --, [] (Single-shot adv.) Note When tile exposure mode is sel to [] (Sports Action) in Scene Seleclinn, you cannot shoot single shot.
Page 41 Adjust t hefocus andshoot t hesubject. • When you press and hold the shutter button, the recording continues. The maximum number of continuous shots The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has all upper limit. Fine/Standard No limit (Until the memory card is full) RAW &...
Page 42 Adjust t hefocus andshoot t hesubject. • When the seltLtimer is activated, audio signals and the sellLtimer hunp indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio signal sounds quickly right betUre the shooting. To cancel the self-timer Press ®/c_ on the control button.
Page 43 * (Bracket: Shoots three images with the exposure shifted by a selected Coot.) step. Press and hold the shutter button until the recording slops. When the flash is fired, press the shuner button shot by,shot. EV displayed with NgaC is the step currently selected.
Page 44 • [n viewfinder mode, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, "br 1" appears. "Fbr 1" appears for the flash bracket. When flash bracket shooting starts, it indicates what number the next frame for instance, "Fbr 2," "Fbr 3." You can shoot using the SHUTTER and 2SEC (the shutter...
Page 45: Playing Back Images
Playingback images The last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor. Pressthe':_ button. ._} button 2 Selectan image with,/1_ onthecontrol b utton. To return to the shooting mode Press the ;_} button again. To switch the recording data display Press DISP on the control button.
Page 46 Fnbutton --+ [Rotate] 2 Pressthecenter ofthecontrol b utton. The image is rotated counter-clockwise. When you want to do another rotation, repeat step 2. • Once you rotate the image, the image is played back in the rotated position, even if you turn off the power. Toreturn tothe normal p layback screen Press the [_] button.
Page 47 3 Selecttheportionyouwantto enlarge with A/T/</I_ on the control b utton. To cancelthe enlarged playback Press the (_ button so that the image returns to the normal size. Scaling range The scaling range is as follows. Image size Scaling range Approx. xl.1 Approx.
Page 48 The slide show call be operated either using the Fn button o1" the MENU button. Here operation using the Fn button is described. Fnbutton --+ [Slideshow]--+ [OK] Plays back recorded images in order (Slide show). The slide show automatically stops after all the images have been played back.
Page 49: Checkingthe Informationof Recorded Images
Checkingthe informationof recorded images Each time you press DISP on the control button, the information display changes (page 102). _100-0003 _DPOF3 FiNE 11125 F3,5 Isol00 2010 1 1 10:37AM Memory card/22) 100-0003 Folder - lile munber /135) Protect (109) DPOF3 DPOF sel (143) hnage quality (117) RAW+J...
Page 50 Jf_loo.ooo3 _o_3 FiNE _}J JlM _.o_1 m _lJ [L2olo _ 110:37AM 3mJ -0.3 Flash compensation (88) [_ [_ Metering mode (89) Memory card (22) 100-0003 Folder - file number 35111111 Focal length (151)) (135) Creative Style (94) Protect (109) DPOF3 DPOF set (143) Image quality (117) AWB sg_+l...
Page 51 About t heflashing segments o n thehistogram display When the image has a high-key or low- Flashing key portion, that portion is flashed oil the histogram display (Luminance limit warning). G (Green) B (Blue)
Page 52: Protectingimages(Protect)
Protectingimages(Protect) You call protect images against accidental erasure. The protect function can be operated either using the Fn button or the MENU button. Here operation using the Fn button is described. Fnbutton --+ [Protect] - -+ [Markedimages] Selectthe image youwantto o...m protect w ith_1/1_ onthe control button, t henpressthecenter of...
Page 53: Deleting Images (Delete)
Deletingimages(Delete) Once you have deleted all image, you cannot restore it. Check whether delete the image or not beforehand. The delete function can be operated either fl'om the Fn button or from the MENU button. Here operation using the Fn button is described.
Page 54 PresstheFnbutton. 5 Select[Delete]with• on thecontrol button, t henpress the centerofthecontrol button. 1 Fnbutton ---*[ImageIndex]---*Selectthe desired number o f images 2 Selectthefolderbarwith< on thecontrol b utton. €,,,,. Folder bar 3 Press thecenter of thecontrol button, t henselectthefolderyou _ wantto delete with•/v. Pressthe@ button.
Page 55: Viewing Images On A Tv Screen
Viewingimagesona TV screen To view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDM[ cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDM[ connector are required, Turnoff bothyourcameraandthe (9 To the H DMI TV, andconnectthe camera tothe connector HDMI terminal Turnon theTVandswitch theinput.
Page 56 • By connecting ynur camera to Sony's VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDMI cable, the TV automatically selects the apprnpriate image quality for viewing still pictures. Please reli:r to the operating instructions of Sony's V1DEO-A compatible TV for more details.
Page 57 PAL-N system Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay SECAMsystem Bulgaria, France, Guiana, tram h'aq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc. By connecting the camera to a TV that supports "BRAVIA" Sync using HDM[ cable, you can operate the camera with the TV Remote Control+ 1 Connect a TVthatsupports "BRAVlA"Sync tothecamera (page112).
Page 58 • 11lhe camera perlorms unnecessary operali(ms ill response lo lhe TV Remole Conlrol when lhe camera is connected Io anolher manulacturer's TV using an HDMI connection, sel [CTRL FOR HDMI] in fl_e "K Setup menu Io [O11]. e--,...
Page 59: Settingimagesize And Imagequality
Settingimagesize and imagequality MENUbutton --, a 1 --, [Image size]--, Selectthedesired size [Aspect ratio]: [3:2] L:14M 4592 x 3056 pixels M:7.7M 3408 x 2272 pixels S:3.5N 2288 x 1520 pixels [Aspect ratio]: [16:91 L:12[Vl 4592 x 2576 pixels N:6.5N 3408 x 1920 pixels S:2.9N 2288 x 1280 pixels Note...

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