The Sony Alpha NEX-6: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide

The Sony Alpha NEX-6

Dr. Brian Matsumoto is a retired research scientist who has worked for 30 years recording experiments with a wide range of film and digital cameras. He now spends his time photographing with a variety of cameras and lenses. He enjoys exploring how a camera’s potential can be expanded by pairing it with specialized optics such as microscopes and telescopes. He carries a camera on all his hikes and enjoys photographing nature. In addition to the four books he has written for Rocky Nook, Dr. Matsumoto has published several articles and has had his photographs published in a number of periodicals. He is experienced in the technical aspects of photography and has taught courses on recording scientific experiments with digital cameras.

Carol F. Roullard has been an avid photographer since her high school years, where she first experimented with black-and-white artistic composition. Since then, she has continued photographing, mainly nature and architecture. Carol has used a variety of cameras covering a wide range of makes and models, from simple point-and-shoot cameras to complex professional-level cameras. Carol produces fine art photography and is utilizing her previous art business experience for her new online gallery.

As a former Project Management Quality and Compliance Engineer, Carol spent a number of years developing procedural and quality control methodology for IT projects. In addition, she has developed and conducted training sessions covering best practices for procedural and quality control, breaking down complex subjects into easy-to-use approaches to learning.

The Sony Alpha NEX-6

The Unofficial Quintessential Guide

Brian Matsumoto

Carol F. Roullard

Brian Matsumoto

Carol F. Roullard

Publisher: Gerhard Rossbach

Editor: Jocelyn Howell

Copyeditor: Hillary Danz

Layout and type: Jan Martí, Command Z

Cover design: Helmut Kraus, www.exclam.de

Printer: Sheridan Books, Inc.

Printed in USA

ISBN 978-1-937538-23-1

1st Edition 2013

© 2013 by Brian Matsumoto, Carol F. Roullard

Rocky Nook, Inc.

802 East Cota Street., 3rd Floor

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

www.rockynook.com

Distributed by O’Reilly Media

1005 Gravenstein Highway North

Sebastopol, CA 95472

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Matsumoto, Brian.

The Sony Alpha NEX-6 : the unofficial quintessential guide / Brian Matsumoto, Carol F. Roullard.

-- 1st edition.

pages cm

ISBN 978-1-937538-23-1 (pbk.)

1. Sony digital cameras--Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Mirrorless interchangable-lens cameras--Handbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Photography--Digital techniques--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Roullard, Carol F.. II. Title.

TR263.S66M38 2013

771.3--dc23

2013013460

Many of the designations in this book used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks of their respective companies. Where those designations appear in this book, and Rocky Nook was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in caps or initial caps. They are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies, they are not intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book.

No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the copyright owner. While reasonable care has been exercised in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

This book is dedicated to our daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth. Thank you for your constant support and understanding of the continued demands of writing a book.

Acknowledgements

Each of our camera books starts with a concept and a blank piece of paper. Writing the book becomes a labor of love. We spend months doing research, testing, discussing, writing, and rewriting. Nothing in this book was written without being tested, often more than once.

As with our previous books, we relied on several friends and business associates to supply feedback and inspiration. We would like to extend warm thanks to Eugene Nakano for his time working with the Sony NEX-6 and relaying his experience to us. He is an experienced Nikon photographer, and his perspective about using the Sony NEX-6 was an insightful view on how a knowledgeable photographer explores the ergonomics of this camera.

A special thanks to the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, California, who granted us a unique opportunity to get close to their rescued juvenile and mature bald eagles, Denali and Dakota. Both eagles suffered permanent injuries in a storm and are now being provided a lifetime of care at the Wildlife Learning Center sanctuary.

In addition, we thank both Matt Parnell of Sony Electronics Inc. and Scott Dordick of Acratech Inc. who were very gracious in supplying product photos.

Last but not least, one of the continued benefits of publishing through Rocky Nook is being able to work with their team of experts. As with our previous books, the Rocky Nook team has been invaluable in helping us complete this book. Their friendship, encouragement, and professionalism in support of our goal has made this endeavor much more rewarding.

We have appreciated input and support from Gerhard Rossbach (Publisher, CEO), Jocelyn Howell (Production Editor), and Matthias Rossmanith (Project Manager). A special thanks goes to Hillary Danz (Copyeditor) and Jan Marti (Layout). Everyone has been wonderful at fielding our questions and working diligently toward completing the project.

As with our other books, a big thanks goes out to our families and friends for being patient and understanding when our time with them was limited and our conversations were often single-minded about the Sony NEX-6.

Brian Matsumoto

www.MatsuImaging.com

Carol Roullard

www.VistaFocus.net

Preface

The Sony NEX-6 is a remarkable and complete system camera packed into a compact size. It does so much, and does it well. Its fast focusing and easy-to-use settings enable us to capture pictures quickly and with minimal effort. We have also enjoyed the ease with which we can upload our pictures to our social media sites.

Throughout the writing of this book, we were excited by how much this camera can do. We have used it for everything from taking casual snapshots of our vacation to recording experiments in a research laboratory. The camera’s diminutive size has transformed our photographic practices. We take it on all of our jaunts, and having a quality camera always at our side has increased the number of keeper photographs we have taken. We are sure you will feel the same way.

In this book, we start by encouraging the photographer to use the automatic settings. As you gain experience using the camera, we move on to describing how to use the manual settings. The capabilities and features of this camera are so extensive that as you grow in your photographic expertise, you will find that the camera will keep pace with your demands, allowing you to create unique images that reflect your artistic vision.

Our goal is to provide you with a way to easily navigate through the camera’s complex menu structure. As you develop a photographic style, you can customize your camera so that you’ll have quick access to the commands you use most frequently with the simple press of a button. With practice, your handling of the camera will become intuitive and you will be able to obtain high quality still pictures and movies at a moment’s notice.

In this book, we describe many of our experiences with the camera and include recommendations in the hope that they will serve as a springboard to inspire new photographic techniques and increase your enjoyment of your Sony NEX-6 camera.

Brian Matsumoto

Carol Roullard

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Introduction

Using This Book

Description of the Camera and Its Features

Assembling the Camera

Turning On the Camera

Camera Controls: Setting the Camera Area, Date, and Time

Introducing Menu Navigation

Error Messages

Reinitializing Commands to Default Values (Or, Getting Out of Trouble)

Quick Access to Command Options

Cleaning the Sensor

Recommendations

Chapter 2: Photography Basics and the NEX-6

Introduction

Basic Photography Concepts

File Formats

Shutter Button

Focusing

Exposure (Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO)

White Balance and the Appearance of Colors

Drive Mode Function

Recording Movies

Chapter 3: Managing Your Images

Introduction

The LCD Screen

The Viewfinder

LCD Screen versus Viewfinder

Data Display Formats

Compositional Controls for Previewing Images

Review Recorded Images

Evaluating Exposure with Histograms

Protecting Saved Pictures and Movies

Deleting Saved Pictures and Movies

Working Outside the Camera

Recommendations

Chapter 4: Automatic Settings

Introduction

Functions Available for Automatic Modes

Shooting Modes

Intelligent Auto Mode

Superior Auto Mode

Photo Creativity Feature

SCN (Scene Selection) Predefined Scene Modes

Recommendations

Chapter 5: Taking Control of the Camera

Introduction

Control Keys and Buttons

Exposure Compensation: Fine-Tuning Automatic Exposure

Autofocus

Manual Focus: Overriding Automatic Focusing

ISO

White Balance

Three Semiautomatic Modes: Shutter Priority (S), Aperture Priority (A), and Program Auto (P)

Recommendations

Chapter 6: Manual Operation of the Camera

Introduction

Manual Exposure Mode Controls

Manual Focusing: Overriding Automatic Focusing

Manual Adjustments for Color Temperature

Lens Compensation

Bracketing and Dynamic Range

Recommendations

Chapter 7: Customizing the Camera

Introduction

Customizing Buttons

Fn Button

Customization of Other Buttons

Customizing Buttons Summary

Help Information

Recommendations

Chapter 8: Additional Features

Introduction

Sweep Panorama Mode

Auto Port. Framing Function

DRO/Auto HDR Function

Utilizing Predefined Color Schemes

Recommendations

Chapter 9: Adding Applications to the Camera

Introduction

Working with the Camera’s Wi-Fi: Communicating with a Smartphone

Downloading Apps

PlayMemories Camera Apps

Camera Apps We Like and Use

Recommendations

Chapter 10: Using Accessories

Introduction

The Kit Lens

Sony E-mount and A-mount Lenses

Legacy and Used Lenses

Telescopes

Microscopes

Remote Release

Tripod

Recommendations

Chapter 11: Flash Photography

Introduction

Principles of Electronic Flash for the Built-in Unit

Flash Artifact: Red Eye

Flash Command

Using Flash in Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto

Flash Options in P, A, S, or M Modes

Recommendations

Chapter 12: Making Movies

Introduction

Frame Rate versus Shutter Speed

Choosing a File Format

Record Settings (Quality)

Additional Movie Controls

Framing and Starting the Movie

Which Shooting Mode for Controlling Your Recording

Adding Creative Style, Picture Effect, or DRO

Recommendations

Appendix A: Menu and Function Commands

Appendix B: Error Messages/Warning Messages and Resolutions

Index

Camera Body Reference

(Product photos throughout the book courtesy of Sony)

Figure A: Sony NEX-6 camera front

Figure B: Sony NEX-6 camera back

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Introduction

At the time of writing, the Sony NEX-6 is the only Sony camera that has both a Wi-Fi transmitter and a built-in electronic viewfinder. Unlike the NEX-7, which uses a 24-megapixel sensor, the NEX-6 has a 16-megapixel sensor. The smaller pixel count provides larger photosites, which results in reduced image resolution but provides a cleaner image under low light conditions.

Figure 1-1: The Sony NEX-6 is a compact interchangeable lens camera

Although the NEX-6 cannot be described as a pocket camera, its size and shape allow it to be easily carried anywhere (figure 1-1). Thanks to its collapsible kit lens, the camera fits easily in a travel bag and is half the weight of many digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. Its smaller size also gives it a less intimidating appearance. People photographed with this camera tend to feel less self-conscious than when photographed with a large, professional-looking DSLR.

Using This Book

The Sony NEX-6 is a perfect camera for photographers at all levels of expertise. If you are a beginner who does not know about exposure values (EV), sensor sensitivity (ISO), or shutter speed, you can just set the camera to Intelligent Auto or Superior Auto mode and use it as a point-and-shoot. As you gain experience, you can improve your images by using the camera’s Scene Selection (SCN) mode and selecting the type of subject you intend to photograph. This tells the camera how to fine-tune its settings for recording a specific type of subject. For example, when you select the icon for sports action, the camera will use faster shutter speeds to freeze motion. When you select the closeup icon, the camera uses a slower shutter speed and a smaller aperture for greater depth of field to capture the subject.

Eventually you may decide to override some of the camera settings to take full advantage of the sensor’s capabilities. This will empower you to more fully leverage digital post-processing on a computer. From there, you can take full control by setting the camera manually and using your judgment to select the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. At this point you may decide to darken the image by using less exposure to impart a more romantic or somber mood to the scene. Rather than record in color you may decide the scene should be rendered as a black-and-white print with large regions of dark, deep shadows. At this level of artistic expression an image is created rather than recorded. Further, some of the NEX-6 controls can be customized so you can quickly change the settings without having to navigate through the camera’s menu structure. Once you’ve customized the camera to your favorite settings, you will have most of what you need at your fingertips.

In short, the NEX-6 has a multitude of camera commands and features, and therefore learning how to use it can be a challenge—especially if one tries to learn everything at once. In this book, we provide a graded approach to learning how to use this camera, following the progression a new photographer might take. In this chapter, we start the book by describing the camera and its features, and explain how to navigate through the menus. We cover such mundane tasks as inserting the battery and memory card, and setting the time. In later chapters, we proceed gradually through the NEX-6’s menus and describe how to get the most out of your camera as you progress from using the automatic modes, to using the semiautomatic modes, and finally to taking full control of the camera settings. The final chapters explore the accessories and advanced features of your camera.

Description of the Camera and Its Features

Unlike a DSLR, which requires a mirror to direct light to an optical viewfinder, the Sony NEX-6 is mirrorless. Light goes directly to the sensor, which drives one of two electronic displays: the three-inch rear LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder (EVF) (figure 1-2). Both display the image and the effects of the camera settings before the photographer takes the picture, thereby ensuring that errors in white balance or exposure can be corrected before the shot is taken. This promotes an efficient workflow, reducing the need for the photographer to review shots to ascertain whether the camera settings were optimum. The removal of the mirror and the use of an electronic first curtain shutter have the desirable advantage of making the camera vibration-free when a picture is captured. In contrast, a DSLR sensor is prone to vibration when the picture is taken. The upward movement of its mirror and the movement of its shutter’s first curtain can shake the camera body just prior to and during the exposure. When you’re working with long telephoto lenses or taking meticulous closeup shots, these movements can blur the image.

A few people have complained about the inferior view through an EVF compared to that of an optical viewfinder. Many of these complaints are due to the fact that an EVF has a more limited dynamic range, so that in scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows the darker areas appear impenetrable and featureless. The advantage of an optical viewfinder is that one can see details in both the shadows and the highlights of such a scene. But this should be weighed against the advantages of an electronic viewfinder. For example, when viewing the scene with an EVF, the magnification of the preview image is larger than that of most DSLRs. It is almost as large as the scene viewed through a full-frame camera that costs two to three times as much. Such cameras include the Nikon D800 and D600 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. These cameras are bulkier and heavier than the NEX-6. Another advantage of the EVF is that in dim lighting, there is an electronic amplification of the sensor’s output so that the screen maintains its brightness when the light level drops. In contrast, an optical viewfinder becomes progressively dimmer under such conditions. When compared to a dim optical finder, a large, bright electronic viewfinder is easier to use to frame and compose a dim scene.

Figure 1-2: Back of Sony NEX-6 camera showing the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and the rear LCD monitor

For us, the most important advantage in using an EVF is that it increases our success in quickly obtaining technically good photographs. Errors in white balance are immediately evident, and we can take steps to remedy this before the picture is recorded. The same applies to exposure. With a real-time histogram display and a view of how a given exposure records the subject, it’s easy to see the advantages of overriding automatic exposure by manually setting either the aperture or shutter speed. The EVF can also provide a more precise metric for manual focusing. Because you can selectively enlarge portions of the image in the EVF screen, the increased magnification ensures that you are precisely focused on your subject. This is especially critical for long telephoto work where there is little depth of field. Finally, the NEX-6 always provides an indication of depth of field. When the camera is set to Aperture Priority (A) mode, it displays the image at the working aperture of the lens so that you can estimate whether the background or foreground surrounding the subject is rendered sharply or blurred. You can do this with an optical viewfinder, but the image becomes progressively darker as you close down the lens’s aperture.

In spite of its small size, the Sony NEX-6 is a highly capable instrument able to generate professional photographs. Its 16-megapixel sensor provides enough data that you can enlarge your recorded pictures to 11x14 inches and still maintain the image’s fine details.

Movies vs. Videos

What is the difference? According to dictionary definitions, a movie is a captured series of pictures in the motion picture industry, and a video is recorded onto videotape or some other recording device for the television industry.

Both of these definitions ignore the camera’s role in capturing the picture. Although we would rather call moving pictures recorded on a camera a video, Sony has chosen to use the term movie. To be consistent with their terminology, we will use movie in reference to the recording of moving pictures with the camera. There may be some cases where industry terminology is so predominate that we will use video, but those will be the exceptions rather than the rule.

For recording movies, the absence of a hinged mirror provides several advantages. Perhaps the most obvious is the ease of activating this mode. By simply pressing a button you can start recording a movie with the NEX-6. In contrast, this requires a two-step process when using a DSLR because its mirror must first be raised.

Dual Viewing System

As mentioned above, the Sony NEX-6 has two electronic displays: an EVF with an eyepiece and an LCD screen on the back of the camera (figure 1-3). Most digital camera users are familiar with the latter.

The rear LCD screen can be viewed when held at arm’s length, so it is convenient to use when the camera is mounted on a tripod. For subjects that are difficult to access, you can take advantage of the tilting feature of Sony’s rear LCD, which enables you to take photographs from unusual angles. For example, suppose you are in the middle of a crowd and have to photograph someone who is at its periphery. By tilting the camera’s LCD downward and holding it above you, you can look up and view the screen in order to point and aim your camera onto the subject.

The Sony NEX-6’s EVF is one of the best of its kind; it’s extremely sharp and has a good refresh rate. It uses the same screen as the Sony SLT A77 and the NEX-7. Having two electronic displays gives the photographer more flexibility to grab difficult shots. The EVF is invaluable when working in bright sunlight when ambient light overwhelms the view on the rear LCD. It is also convenient when you don’t want to disturb your surroundings with the light of the LCD screen, such as at a school play in a darkened auditorium. In addition, having the camera pressed up against your face helps to steady it.

To conserve battery life, when the EVF is on the LCD is off, and vice versa. The viewfinder is enabled when the camera senses your eye is close to the eyepiece. When you move your eye away from the viewfinder, the rear LCD screen turns on and the EVF turns off.

Figure 1-3: Back of Sony NEX-6 camera showing tilted rear LCD

There are advantages and drawbacks to each of the viewing displays. The Sony NEX-6 provides a different view of the camera settings depending on whether you use the viewfinder or the LCD screen. As you use the camera and become familiar with its settings and buttons, you will develop personal preferences as to which viewing system works best for you. In chapter 3 we will cover details about the LCD screen and the viewfinder and discuss how to display information on each of them. Subjectively, the view through the viewfinder appears larger, making it easier to study fine details. However, if you are using the menu to adjust settings, the rear LCD screen has the advantage of allowing you to see the menu and the buttons at the same time.

Diopter Adjustment Dial

There is one more thing you need to know about the viewfinder. It has a magnifier that needs to be focused on the screen. To the right of the EVF is a small wheel called the diopter adjustment dial (figure 1-4). Rotate the dial up or down until the objects in the viewfinder appear maximally sharp.

If you share your camera with others, they must make sure that the viewfinder is in focus for their eyes. If you are nearsighted (myopic) and your photographer partner is farsighted (hyperopic), you will have to adjust this dial whenever the two of you exchange the camera. This dial ensures that any photographer, whether nearsighted or farsighted, will have a tack-sharp image in the viewfinder.

Figure 1-4: The diopter adjustment dial to the right of the viewfinder

Setting Up Your New Sony NEX-6

When you take your camera out of the box, you will have the following components:

• Camera body: 16.1 effective megapixel

• Eyepiece cup (This provides additional shielding of the electronic viewfinder from ambient light. It is most useful for those who do not wear eyeglasses. If you use spectacles, your eye is held away from the magnifier and your view will be obscured by ambient light. Further, you will be unable to view the full field of view.)

• E-mount 16–50mm zoom lens

• Front and rear lens caps

• Body cap

• Accessory shoe cap

• Rechargeable InfoLithium (NP-FW50) battery

• AC adapter

• Shoulder/neck strap

• Micro USB cable

• CD-ROM with Sony software

• Camera manual

Make sure you have everything before you assemble your new camera. Attach the lens, insert the battery, and insert a memory card on which to store your pictures and movies. When you are done, you’ll want to fully charge the battery before you start to use the camera.

Battery

The supplied InfoLithium (NP-FW50) lithium ion battery should be fully charged before use. Plug the Micro USB cable into the AC charger and insert its prongs into an outlet. Then insert the opposite side of the cable into the camera. Just above the camera’s USB port is a small LED (figure 1-5):

• Steady yellow glow: the battery is charging.

• Yellow light flashing: charging is not occurring, probably because the ambient temperature is too low or too high (50°F to 86°F).

• Light off: the battery is fully charged.

Figure 1-5: The charge lamp will glow yellow while the battery is charging. Yellow coloration in this photograph is added to illustrate the light’s position and color when charging the battery.

It is important to completely charge the battery before using it for the first time. If you simply use the camera immediately and drain the battery down completely, you can damage it so that it cannot be recharged to hold a full charge. Rechargeable lithium batteries will last longer if you do partial discharges and recharges rather than depleting the battery’s charge completely before recharging. This is a good reason to have more than one battery: you can replace the partially depleted battery with a fully charged battery and continue shooting without the fear of running out of power. When you buy a spare, we recommend using Sony batteries. Using uncertified batteries from third-party manufacturers will void your warranty if they damage your camera. For the active photographer it is not a question of whether you will need to buy a spare battery, but when. These batteries do not have an indefinite lifespan: generally, with heavy use, over time the battery will not hold a full charge and will have to be replaced—usually in about three years.

Why Use a Certified Battery?

Buying third-party batteries is tempting because they are often less expensive. The risk in using them is that Sony does not guarantee their quality, so if they damage your camera during its warranty period, Sony is not obligated to repair or replace your camera. Using such batteries is therefore a gamble. Under the best conditions you may be happy with these batteries, so no harm is done. But you can also end up with a battery that may not hold as much of a charge or may drain too quickly. Or, in the worst-case scenario, the battery may damage your camera and the money saved buying the inexpensive battery will be lost by having to repair or replace your camera.

Memory Card

You will need a memory card to use with this camera. Unlike some point-and-shoot consumer cameras, the NEX-6 has no internal memory for storing images. You may already have a compatible memory card from a previous camera.

The NEX-6 uses a Secure Digital (SD) memory card, which is about the size of a postage stamp. SD cards come in many varieties with various memory capacities and data transfer speeds. They are designated as SD, SDHC, or SDXC, depending on the card’s potential maximum memory capacity (see the Memory Cards sidebar). Don’t be too concerned about these designations, as your camera can handle all of these memory cards. Before purchasing an SDXC card, which can store up to 2 terabytes, make sure your computer can read this card. The card is formatted in a manner than prevents older computers from reading the data. If in doubt, stick to the SD or SDHC categories as their memory capacity is sufficient for most photographers. The class rating of the card is more important.

Memory cards are categorized into classes (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10). The higher the class, the faster the card can receive and record data. The size and class of the memory card you should buy depends on how you will use the camera and how you plan to maintain the stored pictures and movies. If you plan to take a lot of movies, you will need a high-capacity memory card with a fast speed rating. Although the manual says a Class 4 rating is sufficient for recording movies, Sony’s technical support recommends buying a Class 10 card if you want to record movies in AVCHD format. We recommend using at least 8 gigabytes (GB) to give you enough storage space. If you are going to take only still photos, 4 GB should suffice and you can use a Class 4 card.

You can use any manufacturer’s SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory card of Class 10 or faster for both still pictures and movies. Sony currently sells an SDHC Class 10 card that holds 32 GB of data for about $65. But you can opt for a 16 GB card (about $50) or an 8 GB card (about $35) instead. The SDXC cards are the most expensive and can have the highest memory rating. However, you may find the 32 GB SDHC cards to be an economical choice that is perfect for a day of shooting or movie taking. A potential problem with high-capacity memory cards is that a failure in the card can result in a tremendous loss of data. For this reason, many photographers use several smaller-capacity memory cards so that if one goes bad, the loss of pictures is limited to that one card.

Instead of using an SD card, you may wish to use a Sony memory stick (figure 1-6). They are not as common and tend to be a bit more expensive for a given memory capacity. However, if you already own these cards because you own a Sony camcorder or another Sony camera you may wish to use them on your new camera. Note that if you want to record both still pictures and movies on a Memory Stick PRO Duo, it must be the Mark 2 version. The Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo records still pictures and movies.

Figure 1-6: Battery and memory card compartment. A Sony memory stick, like an SD card, occupies a slot within the battery compartment of the camera.

At the end of each shooting day, get in the habit of downloading the images from your camera to your computer. After the files are downloaded, erase the images on the card by using the camera’s Format command. This allows you to start fresh the next day, minimizing the risk of running out of memory.

Although you can connect your camera to your computer with a cable and transfer the stored files directly, you can also download the files with a card reader. Remove the memory card from the camera and insert it into a card reader that is connected directly to your computer with a USB cable.

Many people keep several memory cards for when they need to record hundreds of pictures and won’t be able to download the contents to a computer. It’s important to note that memory cards can fail, and having a backup will ensure that you can resume shooting if your primary card fails. For our own photography, we tend to use 16 GB Class 10 cards because they provide plenty of space and speed to accommodate a day’s worth of shooting and movie recording.

Memory Cards

It is difficult to predict the number of still pictures or how many minutes of video you can store on a specific memory card. Sony provides some guidelines on the capacity of memory cards, but these values should be taken with a grain of salt, as memory used depends on the fineness of the detail within the images and the file type.

Memory card criteria:

• SD memory card (8 MB to 2 GB)

• SDHC memory card (4 GB to 32 GB)

• SDXC memory card (32 GB to 2 TB)

Additional information:

• An SDHC memory card can be used with equipment that’s compatible with the SDHC or