Sony NEX-3, NEX-3A, NEX-3A B, NEX-3A R, NEX-3A S Handbook

4-183-855-12(1)

Interchangeable		Table of contents
Lens Digital Camera
		Sample photo search
		Menu search
α Handbook
		Index

© 2010 Sony Corporation GB

NEX-3/NEX-3C/NEX-5/NEX-5C

How to use this handbook

Click on a button at upper right on the cover and each page to jump to the corresponding page.

This is convenient when searching for a function you want to use.

Search for information by function.

Search for information by sample photos.

Search for information in a listing of menu items.

Search for information by keyword.

You can jump to the pages by clicking on the page numbers mentioned in the book.

Marks and notations used in this handbook

In this handbook, the sequence of operations is shown by arrows (t). Operate the camera in the order indicated.

The default setting is indicated by .

Indicates cautions and limitations relevant to the correct operation of the camera.

zIndicates information that is useful to know.

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2GB

Table of contents

Notes on using the camera

How to use this handbook ·····································2

Sample photo search ············································5

Identifying parts ···················································11

List of icons on the screen···································15

Basic operations

Using the control wheel and soft keys·················17

Menu search························································19

Shooting images··················································23

Playing back images ···········································26

Deleting images···················································28

Using functions with the control wheel

DISP (Display Contents) ·····································29

(Flash Mode)·····················································31

(Exposure Comp.) ··········································32

(Drive Mode) ··············································33

(Image Index) ·················································40

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Using functions in the menu

Shoot Mode ·························································19

Camera································································20

Image Size ··························································20

Brightness/Color··················································20

Playback······························································21

Setup ···································································21

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Connecting with other equipment

Viewing images on a TV····································123

Using with your computer··································125

Using the software·············································127

Connecting the camera to the computer ···········130

Creating a movie disc (NEX-5/5C) ····················132

Printing still images ···········································136

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting·················································137

Warning messages············································143

Others

Using the camera abroad ··································146

Memory card ·····················································147

“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack ·······························149

Battery charger··················································151 Mount Adaptor···················································152 AVCHD format (NEX-5/5C) ·······························153

Cleaning ····························································154

Index

Index··································································155

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4GB

Sample photo search

“This is the scene I want to capture in a photo, but how can I do?”

You may find the answer by going through the sample photos listed here. Click the desired sample photo.

Shooting people (page 6)

Shooting macro photos (page 7)

Shooting landscapes (page 8)

Shooting sunset/night views (page 9)

Shooting fast moving subjects (page 10)

If you click on a photo, the screen will jump to the page describing the function recommended for shooting that kind of photo.

Refer to those descriptions in addition to the shooting tips displayed on the screen of the camera.

Click!

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Shooting people

Only the main subject is in focus by defocusing the background (24)

A happy smile (59)

A person in front of night view (72)

The same scene with different brightness (38)

In candle light (45)

A moving person (68)

A group photo (36, 37)

A person lit from behind (31)

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Shooting macro photos

Defocusing the background (24)			Adjusting the color to indoor light (69)

Flowers (43)	Lowering the amount of flash light (72)

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Focusing manually (53)

In better brightness (32)

Index

Preventing camera shake for indoor shots	Making food look appealing (32)
(68)

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Shooting landscapes

The sky in vivid colors (32)			Running water (50)

Vivid green colors (75)	Colored leaves (75)

Panoramic photos (46)

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Scenery with a wide range of brightness			Light outdoors shot from a dark interior (73)
(73)

Defocusing the background (24)

Keeping your shot level (90)

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Shooting sunset/night views

Holding the camera by hand (43)			Trail of light (31)

Fireworks (49)	Defocusing the background (24)

Preventing camera shake (36)

The same scene in different brightness (38)

Shooting the red of the sunset beautifully (43)

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Shooting fast moving subjects

Following a moving subject (56)			Expressing vigorous action (50)

With the subject approaching the camera	Capturing the best moment (35)
(53)

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10GB

Identifying parts

NEX-5/5C

NEX-3/3C

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.

A (Playback) button (26)

BON/OFF (Power) switch

CShutter button (23)

DRemote sensor (39)

EAF illuminator/Self-timer lamp/Smile Shutter lamp

FSpeaker

GMicrophone

HSmart Accessory Terminal

ILens

JLens release button

KMount

LImage sensor*

MLens contacts*

* Do not touch this part directly.

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When the lens is removed (NEX-5/5C/3/3C)

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NEX-5/5C

NEX-3/3C

A (USB) terminal (130)

BHook for shoulder strap

CHDMI terminal (123)

DLight sensor

ELCD monitor

FMOVIE button (23)

GControl wheel (17)

HSoft keys (18)

I Image sensor position mark (53)

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NEX-5/5C

NEX-3/3C

Flash

	ABattery/memory card cover
	BTripod receptacle	ofTable contents
	• Use a tripod with a screw length of less than
	5.5 mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to
	firmly secure the camera to tripods having
	screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and
	may damage the camera.

C Image sensor position mark (53)

DConnection plate cover		search	photoSample
Use this when using an AC-PW20 AC
Adaptor (sold separately). Insert the
connection plate into the battery
compartment, then pass the cord through the
connection plate cover as shown below.
NEX-5/5C	NEX-3/3C
			Menu
• Make sure that the cord is not pinched when			search
you close the cover.
EAccess lamp
FMemory card insertion slot
GBattery compartment		Index

AScrew

BFlash

CConnector*

* Do not touch this part directly.

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Lens

On the E18 – 200 mm lens, refer to the instruction manual of the E18 – 200 mm lens (supplied).

E18 – 55 mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (supplied with NEX-5D/5CD/5K/5CK/3D/ 3CD/3K/3CK)

AHood index

BFocusing ring

CZoom ring

DFocal-length scale

EFocal-length index

FLens contacts*

GMounting index

* Do not touch this part directly.

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E16 mm F2.8 (supplied with NEX-5A/5CA/3A/3CA)

AConverter index*

BFocusing ring

CLens contacts**

DMounting index

* A converter is sold separately. ** Do not touch this part directly.

14GB

List of icons on the screen

Icons are displayed on the screen to indicate the camera status.

You can change the screen display using DISP (Display Contents) on the control wheel (page 29).

Shooting standby

A

Display Indication

	Shoot Mode
P A S M
	Scene Selection
	Image size/Aspect ratio
	of still images
Graphic display
RAW RAW+J	Image quality of still
FINE STD	images
100	Number of recordable
	still images
Movie recording	Image size of movies

									Memory card/Upload
							123min		Recordable time of
									movies
Playback
			100%						Remaining battery
									Scene Recognition icons
									Flash charge in progress
									AF illuminator
									Does not record sound
									during movie recording
									Camera shake warning

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Display	Indication
	Overheating warning
	Database file full/
	Database file error
	Histogram
101-0012	Playback folder – File
	number
	Protect
1	Print order and number
	of copies
B
Display	Indication
Menu z	Soft keys
Shoot Mode
Shoot. Tips z
C
Display	Indication
z	Focus status
1/125	Shutter speed
F3.5	Aperture value
±0.0	Metered manual
±0.0	Exposure compensation
	Shutter speed indicator
	Aperture indicator
REC 0:12	Recording time of the
	movie (m:s)
2010-1-1 9:30AM Recorded date/time of
	the image
12/12	Image number/Number
	of images recorded in
	the date or selected
	folder
	SteadyShot
	Appears when HDR did
	not work on the image.

D

Display			Indication
			Flash Mode/Red Eye
			Reduction
			Drive Mode
			Focus mode
±0.0			Flash compensation
			Metering Mode
			Focus area mode
			Face Detection
			Smile Shutter
			ISO
AWB			White Balance
7500K G9
			Creative Style
			DRO/Auto HDR
			Smile detection
			sensitivity indicator

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16GB

Using the control wheel and soft keys

The control wheel and soft keys allow you to use various functions of the camera.

Soft keys	Control wheel

Control wheel

When shooting, DISP (Display Contents), (Flash Mode), (Exposure Comp.) and (Drive Mode) functions are assigned to the control wheel. When playing back, DISP (Display Contents) and (Image Index) functions are assigned to the control wheel.

When you turn or press the right/left/top/bottom parts of the control wheel following the on-screen display, you can select setting items. Your selection is determined when you press the center of the control wheel.

The arrow means you can turn the control wheel.

When options are displayed on the screen, you can browse through them by turning or pressing the top/bottom/left/right parts of the control wheel. Press the center to make your choice.

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Soft keys

The soft keys have different roles, depending on the context.

The assigned role (function) of each soft key is shown on the screen.

To use the function shown at the upper right corner of the screen, press soft key A. To use the function shown at the lower right corner of the screen, press soft key B. To use the function shown at the center, press the center of the control wheel (soft key C).

In this handbook, the soft keys are indicated by the icon or the function shown on the screen.

A

In this case, soft key A works as the [Menu] button, and soft key B

C as the [Shoot. Tips] button. Soft key C works as the [Shoot Mode] button.

B

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18GB

Menu search

You can set up the basic settings for the camera as a whole, or execute functions such as

shooting, playback, or other operations.

1Press [Menu].

2Select the desired item by pressing the top/bottom/left/right parts of the control wheel, and then press the center.

3Following the instructions on the screen, select the desired item and press the center of the control wheel to make your choice.

[Menu]

Control wheel

Shoot Mode

Allows you to select a shooting mode, such as exposure mode, panoramic, Scene Selection.

Intelligent Auto	The camera evaluates the subject and makes the proper
	settings. You can enjoy automatic shooting with the
	appropriate settings.
Scene Selection	Shoots with preset settings according to the subject or
	condition.
Anti Motion Blur	Reduces the camera shake when shooting a slightly dark
	indoor scene or a telephoto.
Sweep Panorama	Shoots with panoramic size.
Manual Exposure	Adjusts the aperture and shutter speed.
Shutter Priority	Adjusts the shutter speed to express the movement of the
	subject.
Aperture Priority	Adjusts the range in focus, or defocuses the background.
Program Auto	Automatic shooting that allows you to customize settings,
	except for the exposure (shutter speed and aperture).

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Camera

Allows you to set shooting functions, such as continuous shooting, self-timer, and flash.

Drive Mode	Selects the drive mode, such as continuous shooting,
	self-timer, or bracket shooting.
Flash Mode	Selects the method used to fire the flash.
AF/MF Select	Selects auto focusing or manual focusing.
Autofocus Area	Selects the area to be focused on.
Autofocus Mode	Selects the autofocus method.
Precision Dig. Zoom	Sets the digital zoom when a single focus lens is used.
Face Detection	Detects people’s faces automatically, and adjusts focus and
	exposure to suit the faces.
Smile Shutter	Each time the camera detects a smile, the camera releases
	the shutter automatically.
Smile Detection	Sets the sensitivity of the Smile Shutter function for
	detecting smiles.
Panorama Direction	Selects the direction to pan the camera when shooting
	panoramic images.
Shooting Tip List	Allows you to access all shooting tips.
Display Contents	Switches the information to be displayed on the shooting
	screen.

Image Size

Allows you to set the image size and aspect ratio.

Still

Image Size	Selects the image size.
Aspect Ratio	Selects the aspect ratio.
Quality	Selects the compression format.
Panorama
Image Size	Selects the image size.
Movie
File Format (NEX-5/5C)	Selects the movie recording format, AVCHD or MP4.
Image Size	Selects the image size.

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Brightness/Color

Allows you to make brightness settings such as metering mode, and color settings such as white balance.

Exposure Comp.	Compensates for the brightness of the entire image.
ISO	Sets the ISO sensitivity.

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White Balance	Adjusts the color tones according to the ambient light
	conditions.
Metering Mode	Selects the method used for measuring the brightness.
Flash Compensation	Adjusts the amount of flash light.
DRO/Auto HDR	Corrects the brightness or contrast automatically.
Creative Style	Selects the image processing method.

Playback

Allows you to set playback functions.

Delete	Deletes images.
Slide Show	Plays back images automatically.
Still/Movie Select	Selects a still image or movie to play back.
Image Index	Selects the number of images to be displayed on the index
	screen.
Select Folder	Selects the folder of still images to play back.
Select Date	Selects the date of movies to play back.
Rotate	Rotates images.
Protect	Protects images, or cancels the protection.
Enlarge Image	Enlarges the image.
Volume Settings	Sets the sound volume of movies.
Specify Printing	Selects the images to print, or makes printing settings.
Display Contents	Switches the information to be displayed on the playback
	screen.

Setup

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Allows you to make more detailed shooting settings, or change the camera settings.

Shooting Settings
AF Illuminator	Sets the AF illuminator to assist auto-focusing in dim
	places.
Red Eye Reduction	Provides pre-flash before shooting when using the flash, to
	prevent eyes from being shot in red.
Auto Review	Sets the display time of the image right after shooting.
Grid Line	Turns on the grid line that helps you to adjust the
	composition of images.
Histogram	Displays the histogram of the luminance distribution.
MF Assist	Displays an enlarged image when focusing manually.
Color Space	Changes the range of color reproduction.
SteadyShot	Sets camera shake compensation.
Release w/oLens	Sets whether or not to release the shutter when there is no
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Long Exposure NR	Sets the noise reduction processing for long exposure
	shootings.
High ISO NR	Sets the noise reduction processing for high ISO sensitivity
	shootings.
Movie Audio Rec	Sets the sound for movie recording.
Main Settings
Beep	Selects the sound produced when you operate the camera.
Language	Selects the language used on the screen.
Date/Time Setup	Sets the date and time.
Area Setting	Selects the area where you are using the camera.
Help Guide Display	Turns the Help Guide on or off.
Power Save	Sets the time to turn the camera to the power save mode.
LCD Brightness	Sets the brightness of the LCD monitor.
Display Color	Selects the color of the LCD monitor.
Wide Image	Selects a method to display wide images.
Playback Display	Selects the method used to play back portrait images.
CTRL FOR HDMI	Sets whether or not to operate the camera with a “BRAVIA”
	Sync compatible TV’s Remote Control.
USB Connection	Selects the method used for a USB connection.
Cleaning Mode	Allows you to clean the image sensor.
Version	Displays the version of the camera and the lens.
Demo Mode	Sets whether or not to display the demonstration with
	movies.
Reset Default	Resets the camera to the factory-settings.
Memory Card Tool
Format	Formats the memory card.
File Number	Selects the method used for assigning file numbers to
	images.
Folder Name	Selects the folder name format.
Select Shoot. Folder	Selects the recording folder.
New Folder	Creates a new folder.
Recover Image DB	Repairs the image database file of movies when
	inconsistencies are found.
Display Card Space*	Displays the remaining recording time of movies and the
	recordable number of still images on the memory card.
Eye-Fi Setup**
Upload Settings	Sets the upload function of the camera when an Eye-Fi card
	is used.

*Appears when a memory card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera.

**Appears when an Eye-Fi card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera. NEX-5C/3C do not have this function.

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22GB

Shooting images

Shooting images with the settings in effect when you bought the camera is explained here.

The camera makes decisions appropriate to the situation, and adjusts the settings.

1Adjust the LCD monitor angle, and hold the camera.

The Scene Recognition function begins to work.

2To take still images, press the shutter button.

To record movies, press the MOVIE button to start recording. Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.

Note

•The angle of view of movies is narrower than that of still images. After you press the MOVIE button, the camera shows the actual range to be recorded by displaying an empty frame on the screen. You can check the frame for movies by selecting [Menu] t [Setup] t [Grid Line] t [On].

z On Scene Recognition

The Scene Recognition function lets the camera automatically recognize the shooting conditions and allows you to shoot the image with appropriate settings.

Scene Recognition icon and guide

• The camera recognizes(Night View), (Tripod Night View),(Night Portrait), (Backlight), (Backlight Portrait), (Portrait),(Landscape), or(Macro), and displays the corresponding icon and guide on the LCD monitor when the scene is

recognized.

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zIf you shoot a still image of a subject that is difficult to focus on

When the camera cannot focus on the subject automaticaly, the focus indicator blinks. Either recompose the shot or change the focus setting.

	Focus indicator
Focus indicator	Status
z lit	Focus locked. Ready to shoot.
lit	Focus is confirmed. Focal point moves following a moving
	subject. Ready to shoot.
lit	Still focusing.
z flashing	Cannot focus.

•Focusing may be difficult in the following situations:

–It is dark and the subject is distant.

–The contrast between the subject and the background is poor.

–The subject is seen through glass.

–The subject is moving quickly.

–The subject reflects light such as mirror, or has shiny surfaces.

–The subject is flashing.

–The subject is backlit.

Background Defocus Control

(Intelligent Auto) allows you to defocus the background easily to make the subject stand out.

You can check the defocusing effect on the LCD monitor.

1Press the center of the control wheel.

2Defocus the background by turning the control wheel.

: Turn up to focus

: Turn down to defocus

Press [Back] to restore to the original status.

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Notes

•When the Scene Recognition function is enabled, the camera analyzes the scene when you press the center of the control wheel, and uses it as the Recognized Scene.

•The defocusing range available depends on the lens used.

•The defocusing effect may not be noticeable, depending on the distance from the subject or the lens used.

•The Background Defocus Control function does not operate when an A-mount lens is attached.

z For a better result of Background Defocus

•Move closer to the subject.

•Lengthen the distance between the subject and the background.

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25GB

Playing back images

Plays back the recorded images. Still images and movies are displayed on separate screens. You cannot display still images and movies on the same screen.

1Press the (Playback) button.

2Select the image with the control wheel.

3To play back panoramic images or movies, press the center of the control wheel.

During movie playback	Control wheel operation
To pause/resume	Press the center.
To fast-forward	Press the right, or turn it right.
To fast-rewind	Press the left, or turn it left.
To slow-forward (NEX-5/5C only)	Turn it right during pause.
To slow-reverse (NEX-5/5C only)	Turn it left during pause.
To adjust sound volume	Press the bottom t top/bottom.

Note

• Panoramic images shot on other cameras may not be played back properly.

z Switching between the still image and movie

On the image index screen, you can switch the image type by selecting (still image) or (movie) on the left of the screen followed by pressing the center of the control wheel.

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Enlarged playback

A portion of a still image can be enlarged for closer examination during playback. This is convenient to check the focus condition of a recorded still image. You can enlarge playback images from the Menu (page 84).

1Display the image you want to enlarge, then press the center of the control wheel to confirm [Enlarge].

2Adjust the scaling by turning the control wheel.

3Select the portion you want to enlarge by pressing the top/bottom/right/ left of the control wheel.

4To cancel the enlarged playback, press [Exit].

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Notes

•You cannot use the enlarged playback function with movies.

•To enlarge panoramic images, pause the playback first, and then press [Option].

z Scaling range

The scaling range is as follows.

Image size	Scaling range
L	Approx. ×1.1 – ×13
M	Approx. ×1.1 – ×10
S	Approx. ×1.1 – ×6.7

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27GB

Deleting images

You can delete the image displayed.

1 Display the image you want to delete, and

press [Delete].

[Cancel]

2 Press the center of the control wheel to confirm [OK].

Press [Cancel] to quit the operation.

[OK]

[Delete]

Note

• You cannot delete protected images.

z To delete several images

Select [Menu] t [Playback] t [Delete] to select and delete specific images at the same time.

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28GB

DISP (Display Contents)

Using the control wheel:

1Press DISP (Display Contents) on the control wheel repeatedly to select the desired mode.

Using the Menu:

1During shooting, [Menu] t [Camera] t [Display Contents]. During playback, [Menu] t [Playback] t [Display Contents].

2Select the desired mode by turning the control wheel.

During shooting

Disp. Basic Info Shows basic shooting information. Graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value, except for when [Shoot Mode] is set to [Intelligent Auto] or [Sweep Panorama].

Display Info. Shows recording information.

No Disp. Info. Does not show recording information.

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During playback

Display Info. Shows recording information.

Histogram	Displays the luminance distribution
	graphically, in addition to recording
	information.
No Disp. Info.	Does not show recording information.

Note

•Histogram is not displayed during following playback modes.

–Movie

–Panorama

–Slide Show

z What is histogram ?

The histogram displays the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. Brighter image will make the entire histogram shift to the right side, and darker image to the left side.

Flash

R (red)

Luminance

G (green) B (blue)

•If the image has a high-key or low-key portion, that portion flashes on the histogram display during playback (Luminance limit warning).

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30GB