3-216-921-13 (1)
Before your
operation
Using the shooting
functions
Using the viewing
functions
Using the menu
Using your computer
Printing images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
User’s Guide/
Troubleshooting
DSLR-A700
“Read This First” (separate volume)
Explains the set-up and basic operations for shooting/
playback with your camera.
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual and “Read This First”
(separate volume) thoroughly, and retain them for future reference.
Owner’s Record
The 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-A700
Serial No. ___________________________
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can be
found at our Customer Support Website.
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC
(Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetableoil based ink.
Printed in Japan
© 2007 Sony Corporation
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product's
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
2
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety
instructions completely before operating
the appliance, and keep this manual for
future reference.
Carefully observe all warnings, precautions
and instructions on the appliance, or the one
described in the operating instructions and
adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of electrical power
supplied to your home, consult your dealer or
local power company. For those sets designed to
operate from battery power, or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac
power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider
than the other).
This plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or
convenience receptacles beyond their capacity,
since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set
through openings as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before
cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners
or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened
with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water –
for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to the
plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord
exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing
serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious
damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided
for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable
operation of the set, and to protect it from
overheating, these slots and openings must never
be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper
ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct
sunlight.
3
Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system.
This will prevent damage to the set due to
lightning and power-line surges.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the
set, ask the service technician to perform routine
safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer)
to determine that the set is in safe operating
condition.
Service
Damage Requiring Service
Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set.
– If the set has been exposed to rain or water.
– If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged.
– If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation.
– When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer that have the same
characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
4
Read this first
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the specified type
only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such
as sunshine, fire or the like.
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.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery pack
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.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
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
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSLR-A700
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.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
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.
5
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.
Applicable Accessories: Remote Commander
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom
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
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.
mark) must be
or
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.
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.
For the State of California, USA
only
Perchlorate Material - special handling may
apply, See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Perchlorate Material: Lithium battery contains
perchlorate.
For Customers in Europe
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).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this unit.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
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
6
Notes on using your camera
Notes on recording/playback
Before you record one-time events, make a trial
recording to make sure that the camera is
working correctly.
This camera is designed to be dust- and
moisture-resistant but not to be waterproof and
splash-proof. When using the camera in the rain,
be careful not to get the camera and lens wet.
Clean the camera after use if the camera
becomes dirty. With water, sand, dust, salt, etc.,
left on the camera, the camera may cause a
malfunction. Read also “Precautions” (page
168).
Do not look at the sun or a strong light through a
removed lens or the viewfinder. This may cause
irrecoverable damage to your eyes. Or it may
cause a malfunction of your camera.
Do not use the camera near a location that
generates strong radio waves or emits radiation.
The camera may not be able to record or play
back properly.
Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations
may cause malfunctions.
If moisture condensation occurs, remove it
before using the camera (page 168).
Do not shake or strike the camera. In addition to
malfunctions and an inability to record images,
this may render the memory card unusable, or
cause image data breakdown, damage or loss.
Clean the flash surface before use. The heat of
flash emission may cause dirt on the flash
surface to become discolored or to stick to the
flash surface, resulting in insufficient light
emission.
Keep the camera, supplied accessories, etc., out
of the reach of children. The battery pack, the
accessory shoe cap, etc., may be swallowed. If
such a problem occurs, consult a doctor
immediately.
Notes on types of “Memory Stick” that
can be used (not supplied)
You can use a “Memory Stick Duo” with
your camera. A “Memory Stick” cannot be
used with your camera.
“Memory Stick Duo”
“Memory Stick”
For details on “Memory Stick Duo”, see
page 161.
Notes on the “InfoLITHIUM” battery
pack
Charge the NP-FM500H (supplied) battery pack
before using the camera for the first time.
(t step 1 in “Read This First”)
The battery pack can be charged even if it is not
completely discharged. Also, even if the battery
pack is not fully charged, you can use the
partially charged capacity of the battery pack as
is.
If you do not intend to use the battery pack for a
long time, use up the existing charge and
remove it from your camera, then store it in a
cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery
pack functions (page 163).
For details on the battery pack, see page 163.
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 recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always
copy (back up) data to other medium.
7
On image data compatibility
This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule
for Camera File system) universal standard
established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and
Information Technology Industries
Association).
Playback of images recorded with your camera
on other equipment and playback of images
recorded or edited with other equipment on your
camera are not guaranteed.
Warning on copyright
Television 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 manual
The photographs used as examples of pictures in
this manual are reproduced images, and are not
actual images shot using this camera.
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.
Black, white, red, blue
and green points
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.
On focal length
The picture angle of this camera is narrower than
that of a 35 mm-format film camera. You can find
the approximate equivalent of the focal length of a
35 mm-format film camera, and shoot with the
same picture angle, by increasing the focal length
of your lens by half.
For example, by using a 50 mm lens, you can get
the approximate equivalent of a 75 mm lens of a
35 mm-format film camera.
8