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

...

4-183-855-12(1)

Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera

α Handbook

Table of contents

Sample photo search

Menu search

Index

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

Notes on using the camera

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.

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Table of

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.

Sample photo

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Index

z Indicates information that is useful

to know.

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

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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

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

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

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.

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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

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Only the main subject is in focus by

defocusing the background (24)

The same scene with different brightness

(38)

59 45

A happy smile (59) In candle light (45)

72 68

A person in front of night view (72) A moving person (68)

36 31

A group photo (36, 37) A person lit from behind (31)

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Shooting macro photos

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24 69

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

43 72

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

53 32

Focusing manually (53) In better brightness (32)

68 32

Preventing camera shake for indoor shots

(68)

Making food look appealing (32)

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Shooting landscapes

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32 50

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

75 75

Vivid green colors (75) Colored leaves (75)

Panoramic photos (46)

73 73

Scenery with a wide range of brightness

(73)

Light outdoors shot from a dark interior (73)

24 90

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Defocusing the background (24) Keeping your shot level (90)

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Shooting sunset/night views

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43 31

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

49 24

Fireworks (49) Defocusing the background (24)

The same scene in different brightness (38)

Preventing camera shake (36)

Shooting the red of the sunset beautifully

(43)

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Shooting fast moving subjects

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56 50

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

53 35

With the subject approaching the camera

(53)

Capturing the best moment (35)

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Identifying parts

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NEX-5/5C

NEX-3/3C

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

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.

A (Playback) button (26) B ON/OFF (Power) switch C Shutter button (23) D Remote sensor (39) E AF illuminator/Self-timer lamp/Smile

Shutter lamp

F Speaker G Microphone H

Smart Accessory Terminal

I Lens J Lens release button K Mount L Image sensor* M Lens contacts*

* Do not touch this part directly.

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NEX-5/5C

A (USB) terminal (130) B Hook for shoulder strap C HDMI terminal (123) D Light sensor E LCD monitor F MOVIE button (23) G Control wheel (17) H Soft keys (18) I Image sensor position mark (53)

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NEX-3/3C

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NEX-5/5C

A Battery/memory card cover B Tripod receptacle

• 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) D Connection plate cover

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

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NEX-3/3C

Flash

• Make sure that the cord is not pinched when you close the cover.

E Access lamp F Memory card insertion slot G Battery compartment

A Screw B Flash C Connector*

* 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)

A Hood index B Focusing ring C Zoom ring D Focal-length scale E Focal-length index F Lens contacts* G Mounting index

* Do not touch this part directly.

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

A Converter index* B Focusing ring C Lens contacts** D Mounting index

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

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).

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Shooting standby

Graphic display

Movie recording

Playback

Display Indication

P A S M

RAW RAW+J FINE STD

100

123min

100%

Shoot Mode

Scene Selection

Image size/Aspect ratio of still images

Image quality of still images

Number of recordable still images

Image size of movies

Memory card/Upload

Recordable time of movies

Remaining battery

Scene Recognition icons

Flash charge in progress

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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

Print order and number of copies

Display Indication

Menu z

Shoot Mode Shoot. Tips z

Soft keys

Display Indication

1/125

F3.5

±0.0

Focus status

Shutter speed

Aperture value

Metered manual

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.

Display Indication

±0.0

Flash Mode/Red Eye Reduction

Drive Mode

Focus mode

Flash compensation

Metering Mode

Focus area mode

Face Detection

Smile Shutter

ISO

AWB

7500K G9

White Balance

Creative Style

DRO/Auto HDR

Smile detection sensitivity indicator

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Basic operations

Using the control wheel and soft keys

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

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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 m ake 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.

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

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

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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.

1 Press [Menu].

2 Select the desired item by pressing the

top/bottom/left/right parts of the control wheel, and then press the center.

3 Following the instructions on the

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

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).

[Menu]

Control wheel

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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,

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

Smile Shutter Each time the camera detects a smile, the camera releases

Smile Detection Sets the sensitivity of the Smile Shutter function for

Panorama Direction Selects the direction to pan the camera when shooting

Shooting Tip List Allows you to access all shooting tips.

Display Contents

DISP (Display Contents) Switches the information to be displayed on the shooting

self-timer, or bracket shooting.

exposure to suit the faces.

the shutter automatically.

detecting smiles.

panoramic images.

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

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.

conditions.

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

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

During playback Switches the information to be displayed on the playback

screen.

Setup

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

Red Eye Reduction Provides pre-flash before shooting when using the flash, to

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

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

places.

prevent eyes from being shot in red.

composition of images.

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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 separate ly) is inserted in the ca mera. ** 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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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.

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

The Scene Recognition function begins to work.

2 To 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.

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Note

• The angle of view of movies is narrower than that of stil l images. After you press the MOVIE button, the

camera shows the actual range to b e recorded by displaying an empty frame on the scre en. 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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z If 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 subjec t 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.

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1 Press the center of the control wheel.

2 Defocus 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

• Wh en the Scene Recognition function is enabl ed, the camera analyzes the scene when you press the

center of the control wheel, and uses it as th e Recognized Scene.

• The defocusing ran ge available depend s on the lens used.

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

• The Background Defo cus Control functio n does not operate when an A-mount lens is attached.

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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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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.

1 Press the (Playback) button.

2 Select the image with the control wheel.

3 To 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).

1 Display the image you want to enlarge, then press the center of the

control wheel to confirm [Enlarge].

2 Adjust the scaling by turning the control wheel.

3 Select the portion you want to enlarge by pressing the top/bottom/right/

left of the control wheel.

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

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Notes

• You cannot use the enlar ged playback function with movies.

• To enlarge panoramic images, pause the playback first, and then pre ss [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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Deleting images

You can delete the image displayed.

1 Display the image you want to delete, and

press [Delete].

2 Press the center of the control wheel to

confirm [OK].

Press [Cancel] to quit the operation.

[OK]

[Delete]

[Cancel]

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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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Using functions with the control wheel

DISP (Display Contents)

Using the control wheel:

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

the desired mode.

Using the Menu:

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

During playback, [Menu] t [Playback] t [Display Contents].

2 Select the desired mode by turning the control wheel.

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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.

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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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