The Sony SLT-A77: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide

by Roullard, Carol F.; Matsumoto, Brian

• ISBN13: 9781937538019
• ISBN10: 193753801X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-07-26
• Publisher: Ingram Pub Services

Summary

This book provides enthusiastic photographers with a wealth of information about the unique features of the Sony SLT-A77, an interchangeable-lens camera with an electronic viewfinder and a fixed, translucent mirror. The A77 differs from the current crop of DSLRs in its ability to use a phase detection focusing system throughout the entire picture-taking process, for both still photographs and videos. This provides an immediacy and responsiveness when using burst shots and creating HD videos that is unavailable in any other camera. In this guide, authors Carol Roullard and Brian Matsumoto teach you how to obtain exceptional photographs and videos as they cover everything from the basics of using the camera's automatic modes, to the more advanced aperture-priority, shutter-priority, program, and manual exposure modes. You'll also learn how best to take advantage of features such as the built-in dynamic range adjustment, sweep panoramic, GPS, colorization modes, facial detection and recognition, multiple shot exposures, and HD video. The authors provide you with an opportunity to improve your skills even further by discussing how third-party software and accessories can improve Sony's standard commands. You'll also learn about how the electronic viewfinder, fixed mirror, and Sony's novel shutter design improve the camera's utility for scientific photography through the microscope and telescope.Additional topics include: Advantages of the electronic viewfinder for previewing your photographs Using the accessory Sony shoe-mount flash Advantages of using the JPEG file format Advantage of having a fixed mirror and electronic first curtain shutter Settings for using the camera on a microscope and telescope Using the older Minolta Maxxum lenses

Table of Contents

Getting Started	p. 2
Introduction-The Sony SLT-A77: New Features	p. 3
Using This Book	p. 6
Setting Up Your New Sony A77	p. 8
Battery	p. 9
Memory Card	p. 10
Setting Up the Camera	p. 12
Protecting the Lens	p. 13
Protecting the LCD Screen	p. 13
Viewing Menu Commands	p. 14
Error Messages	p. 18
Important Command Reset Capability	p. 19
Fn Button	p. 19
In-Camera Guide Button	p. 23
Cleaning the Sensor	p. 24
Setting the Area, Date, and Time	p. 25
Dual Viewing System	p. 26
Recommendations	p. 27
Photography Basics and the A77's External Buttons	p. 28
Introduction	p. 29
File Formats	p. 31
Shutter Button	p. 35
Focusing	p. 35
White Balance and the Appearance of Colors	p. 40
Drive Mode Button	p. 40
Recording Movies	p. 42
Managing Your Images	p. 44
Introduction	p. 45
The LCD Screen	p. 45
The Viewfinder	p. 46
Top LCD Display Panel	p. 48
Data Display Formats	p. 49
Preview Images	p. 52
Review Recorded Images	p. 54
Evaluating Exposure with Histograms	p. 60
Protecting Saved Pictures and Movies	p. 62
Deleting Saved Pictures and Movies	p. 62
Working Outside the Camera	p. 63
Recommendations	p. 68
Automatic Settings	p. 70
Introduction	p. 71
Functions Available for Automatic Modes	p. 71
Mode Dial	p. 82
Auto Mode	p. 84
Auto+ Mode	p. 84
SCN Predefined Scene Modes	p. 89
Recommendations	p. 91
Customizing the Camera	p. 92
Introduction	p. 93
Assigning Button Functionality	p. 93
Memory Command	p. 94
Utilizing Predefined Color Schemes	p. 97
Customizing Camera Commands	p. 104
Recommendations	p. 106
Taking Control of the Camera	p. 108
Introduction	p. 109
Exposure Compensation	p. 109
Customizing Automatic Focusing	p. 124
DRO/Auto HDR Function	p. 126
Three Semi-automatic Modes: Shutter-Priority (S), Aperture-Priority (A), and Program (P)	p. 130
Recommendations	p. 134
Manual Operation of the Camera	p. 136
Introduction	p. 137
Manual Focusing: Overriding Automatic Focusing	p. 142
Fine Adjustment Screen for Color	p. 144
Lens Compensation	p. 145
Fine Tuning Autofocus	p. 146
Recommendations	p. 150
Additional Features	p. 152
Introduction	p. 153
Panoramic Modes	p. 153
Continuous Advance Priority AE Mode	p. 162
GPS Feature	p. 165
Recommendations	p. 171
Using Accessories	p. 172
Introduction	p. 173
Choosing A Kit Lens	p. 173
Sony A-Mount Lenses	p. 176
Buying New Third-party Lenses	p. 178
Microscopes	p. 178
Cable Release	p. 181
Tripod	p. 181
Telescopes	p. 184
Recommendations	p. 187
Flash Photography	p. 188
Introduction	p. 189
Principles of Electronic Flash	p. 189
Flash Artifact: Red-Eye	p. 192
Flash Function	p. 193
Using Flash in Auto and Auto+ Modes	p. 195
Flash Options in P, A, S, or M Modes	p. 196
Recommendation	p. 207
Recording Movies	p. 208
Introduction	p. 209
Glossary of Movie Terms	p. 210
Choosing a File Format	p. 211
Movie Quality	p. 213
Additional Movie Controls	p. 217
Framing and Starting the Movie	p. 217
Movie Mode	p. 218
Recommendation	p. 219
Menu Commands	p. 220
Common Error/Warning Messages and Resolutions	p. 246
Index	p. 253
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.