4-183-855-12(1)
Interchangeable
Lens Digital Camera
α Handbook
Table of contents
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NEX-3/NEX-3C/NEX-5/NEX-5C
GB© 2010 Sony Corporation
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.
contents
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.
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z Indicates information that is useful
to know.
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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
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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
Index··································································155
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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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24
Only the main subject is in focus by
defocusing the background (24)
38
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)
46
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)
38
The same scene in different brightness (38)
36
Preventing camera shake (36)
43
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-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.
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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
A
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
1
B
Print order and number
of copies
Display Indication
Menu z
Shoot Mode
Shoot. Tips z
C
Soft keys
Display Indication
z
1/125
F3.5
±0.0
±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.
D
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.
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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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.
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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