Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your Sony Alpha SLT-A55V DSLR camera body. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the camera and retain it for future reference. The Sony Alpha SLT-A55V features Translucent Mirror Technology, enabling high-speed continuous shooting and fast autofocus performance for both still images and HD video.
Safety Information
- Battery Safety: Use only genuine Sony batteries and chargers. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat or dispose of them in fire.
- Water and Moisture: This camera is not waterproof. Avoid exposing the camera to rain, moisture, or high humidity to prevent damage.
- Handling: Do not drop the camera or subject it to strong impacts. Protect the lens and sensor from dust and dirt.
- Cleaning: Refer to the maintenance section for proper cleaning procedures.
- Operating Temperature: Operate the camera within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).
Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your camera package:
- Sony Alpha SLT-A55V Camera Body
- Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- Body Cap
- Shoulder Strap
- USB Cable
Camera Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components and controls of your camera.
Figure 1: Rear view of the Sony Alpha SLT-A55V camera body. This image displays the articulating LCD screen, electronic viewfinder, and various control buttons including MENU, MOVIE, Fn, DISP, AF, WB, and ISO.
Rear Panel Controls
- MENU Button: Accesses the camera's main menu for settings and functions.
- MOVIE Button: Starts and stops video recording.
- Fn (Function) Button: Provides quick access to frequently used shooting settings.
- DISP (Display) Button: Changes the information displayed on the LCD screen or viewfinder.
- AF (Autofocus) Button: Activates autofocus.
- WB (White Balance) Button: Adjusts white balance settings.
- ISO Button: Adjusts ISO sensitivity.
- Playback Button: Enters playback mode to view captured images and videos.
- Delete Button: Deletes selected images or videos.
- Electronic Viewfinder: Provides a digital view of the scene with shooting information.
- Articulating LCD Screen: Displays live view, menus, and playback. Can be rotated for various shooting angles.
Setup
1. Charging the Battery
- Insert the battery into the supplied battery charger.
- Plug the charger into a wall outlet. The charging indicator light will illuminate.
- Once charging is complete, the indicator light will turn off. Remove the battery.
Note: A fully charged battery provides approximately 2.33 minutes of recording capacity for video.
2. Inserting the Battery and Memory Card
- Open the battery/memory card cover on the bottom of the camera.
- Insert the charged battery with the correct orientation until it locks into place.
- Insert a compatible memory card (SD/SDHC/SDXC or Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo) into the memory card slot until it clicks. Ensure the card is facing the correct way.
- Close the cover securely.
3. Attaching a Lens
The Sony Alpha SLT-A55V camera body is compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha and Sony/Minolta Alpha DT mount lenses.
- Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the lens.
- Align the white index mark on the lens with the white index mark on the camera body.
- Mount the lens by turning it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Caution: Avoid exposing the camera's sensor to direct sunlight or dust when the lens is removed.
4. Initial Settings
Upon first power-on, you may be prompted to set the date, time, and language. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Operating the Camera
Basic Photography Modes
Rotate the mode dial (located on the top of the camera) to select your desired shooting mode.
- AUTO: The camera automatically optimizes settings for the scene.
- P (Program Auto): The camera sets exposure automatically, but you can adjust other settings.
- A (Aperture Priority): You set the aperture, and the camera sets the shutter speed.
- S (Shutter Priority): You set the shutter speed, and the camera sets the aperture.
- M (Manual Exposure): You control both aperture and shutter speed.
- Scene Selection: Choose from various scene modes (e.g., Portrait, Landscape, Macro) for optimized settings.
Autofocus and Shooting
- The camera features 15-point TTL Phase Detection autofocus.
- Press the shutter button halfway to activate autofocus. The camera supports Continuous-Servo AF (AF-C) for moving subjects.
- For continuous shooting, select the appropriate drive mode. The camera can capture up to 10 frames per second with continuous autofocus.
- The electronic viewfinder and articulating LCD screen both offer Live View for composing shots.
Video Recording
- Press the dedicated MOVIE button to start and stop video recording.
- The camera records Full HD 1080p video in AVCHD format (1080/60i or 1080/30p).
- Continuous Phase Detect AF is available during video recording for smooth focusing.
Special Features
- Translucent Mirror Technology: Enables simultaneous focusing and image capture, contributing to fast continuous shooting and quick autofocus.
- Embedded GPS: Automatically tags your photos with location data.
- 3D Sweep Panorama: Capture panoramic images that can be viewed in 3D on compatible displays.
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization: Provides in-camera image stabilization, reducing blur from camera shake with any compatible lens.
Maintenance
Cleaning the Camera
- Camera Body: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water and then wipe dry.
- Lens: Use a lens brush to remove dust, then gently wipe with a lens cleaning cloth and lens cleaning solution.
- Sensor: Cleaning the image sensor should be done with extreme care. If dust spots appear on images, it is recommended to use the camera's built-in sensor cleaning function or have it professionally cleaned.
- LCD Screen: Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid pressing hard on the screen.
Storage
When not in use for extended periods, store the camera in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Remove the battery before storage.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Camera does not power on. | Ensure the battery is fully charged and inserted correctly. Check if the battery contacts are clean. |
| Images are blurry. | Check focus settings. Ensure sufficient light. Use a faster shutter speed or enable image stabilization. |
| Video recording stops unexpectedly. | This may occur due to high temperatures during extended recording. Allow the camera to cool down. Ensure your memory card has sufficient write speed (5-20 MB/s recommended). |
| Memory card error. | Ensure the memory card is inserted correctly and is compatible. Try formatting the card (this will erase all data). |
| GPS not acquiring signal. | Ensure you are in an open outdoor area with a clear view of the sky. It may take a few minutes to acquire a signal. |
Specifications
- Model Name: Sony Alpha SLT-A55V
- Photo Sensor Resolution: 16.2 MP
- Photo Sensor Size: APS-C
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Compatible Mountings: Sony/Minolta Alpha, Sony/Minolta Alpha DT
- Continuous Shooting: 10 frames per second
- Video Resolution: FHD 1080p (1080/60i, 1080/30p)
- Video Capture Format: AVCHD (mpeg-4;h.264)
- Screen Size: 3 Inches
- Display Type: Articulating LCD
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- ISO Range: Expanded 100 - 12800
- Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/4000 Seconds
- Minimum Shutter Speed: 30 seconds
- Autofocus Points: 15 (TTL 15-point Phase Detection)
- Flash: Built-In
- Connectivity: HDMI (Type C Mini), USB
- Wireless Technology: EyeFi (supported)
- Supported Memory Cards: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
- Item Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Warranty and Support
This product comes with a 1 YEAR LIMITED warranty. For warranty claims or technical support, please contact Sony customer service.
Additional support resources may be available on the official Sony website.