1. Getting Started with Your Sony Alpha SLT-A35

I once read a camera guide that began with the author advising the Gentle Reader to resist the temptation to go out and take pictures until the proper amount of time had been spent Setting Up The Camera, apparently to avoid wasting electrons on shots that were doomed to failure if the arcane operational knowledge that was forthcoming wasn’t first absorbed. What universe was he from?

Relax! I fully expect that you took several hundred or a thousand (or two) photos before you ever cracked the cover of this book—for several reasons. First, and foremost, the Sony Alpha SLT-A35 camera is incredibly easy to use, especially for the absolute beginner. Even the newest digital camera owner can rotate the mode dial to one of the aqua Auto positions and go out and begin taking great pictures. Getting to that point by charging the battery, mounting a lens, and inserting a Secure Digital or Memory Stick memory card isn’t exactly rocket science, either. Sony has cleverly marked the power switch (located concentrically with the shutter release button) with large ON and OFF labels, and the bright red button labeled MOVIE will provide a major clue for anyone interested in taking advantage of this camera’s advanced motion-picture capabilities.