Sony NEX-3C Instruction Manual

Interchangeable lens digital camera

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Page 1 Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website. Printed using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. ©2010 Sony Corporation Printed in Thailand Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Instruction Manual NEX-3/NEX-3C/NEX-5/NEX-5C...
Page 2: Important Safety Instructions
English Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. NEX-3/3C/ NEX-5/5C Serial No.
Page 3 • Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack. • Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. • Keep the battery pack dry.
Page 4: Regulatory Information
The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: NEX-3 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the...
Page 5: For Customers In Europe
For Customers in Europe Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
Page 6: Disposal Of Waste Batteries (Applicable In The European Union And Other European Countries With Separate Collection Systems)
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Table of contents Preparing the camera Checking the accessories supplied ...10 Identifying parts ...12 Preparing the battery pack ...16 Attaching/removing the lens ...19 Inserting a memory card (sold separately) ...21 Attaching the flash ...23 Turning on the camera and setting up the date ...25 Mastering the basic operation Shooting still images ...27 Recording movies ...28...
Page 8 Checking the functions available Menu list ... 50 Functions available for each shooting mode ... 56 Flash modes available... 57 Importing images to the computer Installing the software... 58 What you can do with the supplied software ... 60 Creating a movie disc (NEX-5/5C) ... 61 Others Checking the number of recordable images ...
Page 9 This manual covers several models supplied with different lenses. The model name varies depending on the supplied lens. Model name NEX-5A/5CA/3A/3CA NEX-5D/5CD/3D/3CD NEX-5H/5CH NEX-5K/5CK/3K/3CK Lens E16 mm E18 – 55 mm and E16 mm E18 – 200 mm E18 – 55 mm...
Page 10: Checking The Accessories Supplied
Preparing the camera Checking the accessories supplied First check the model name of your camera (page 9). The accessories supplied differ depending on the model. The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces. Common accessories • Battery charger BC-VW1 (1) •...
Page 11 NEX-5K/5CK/3K/3CK • E18 – 55 mm zoom lens/Lens cap (1) (attached to the camera)/Lens hood (1)
Page 12: Identifying Parts
Identifying parts See the pages in parentheses for details of operation. NEX-5/5C NEX-3/3C When the lens is removed (NEX-5/5C/3/3C) (Playback) button (29) B ON/OFF (Power) switch (25) C Shutter button (28) D Remote sensor E AF illuminator/Self-timer lamp/ Smile Shutter lamp F Speaker G Microphone* H Smart accessory terminal (23)
Page 13 NEX-5/5C NEX-3/3C (USB) terminal B Hook for shoulder strap Attaching the shoulder strap is recommended not to drop the camera. C HDMI terminal (49) D Light sensor E LCD monitor The tilting LCD monitor of the camera allows flexible shooting positions.
Page 14 NEX-5/5C NEX-3/3C A Battery/Memory card cover (17, 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.
Page 15 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 Zooming ring D Focal-length scale E Focal-length index F Lens contacts*...
Page 16: Preparing The Battery Pack
Preparing the battery pack When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FW50 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied). Charging the battery pack The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not been fully charged. Insert the battery pack onto the battery charger.
Page 17: Inserting The Charged Battery Pack
Notes • The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery pack or charging conditions. • We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 °C to 30 °C (50 °F to 86 °F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range.
Page 18: Checking The Remaining Battery Level
Firmly insert the battery pack all the way while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery. Close the cover. Checking the remaining battery level Check the level with the following indicators and percent figures displayed on the LCD monitor. Battery level High Note...
Page 19: Removing The Battery Pack
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with your camera. Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack, the remaining battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the operating conditions of your camera. Removing the battery pack Turn off the camera and slide the lock lever in the direction of the arrow.
Page 20: Removing The Lens
Mount the lens by aligning the white index marks on the lens and the camera. • Hold the camera’s face downward to prevent the dust from entering into the camera. While pusing the lens lightly toward the camera, turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into the locked position.
Page 21: Inserting A Memory Card (Sold Separately)
Notes • When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera vibrates slightly when it is turned off, due to the anti-dust function, to prevent dust from adhering to the image sensor.
Page 22: Removing The Memory Card
Close the cover. Removing the memory card Open the cover, make sure that the access lamp is not lit, and push the memory card once. Note • When the access lamp is lit, do not remove the memory card or the battery pack, or turn off the power.
Page 23: Attaching The Flash
Attaching the flash When you want to use a flash during shooting, attach the flash device (supplied). The flash is enabled when it is raised, and disabled when lowered. Attach the flash to the smart accessory terminal of the camera. •...
Page 24 Carrying the flash Attaching the extender (when using the E18 – 200 mm lens) If you attach the flash directly to the camera, images will be partly shadowed by the lens. To avoid this situation, attach the extender. 1 Attach the extender to the camera securely.
Page 25: Turning On The Camera And Setting Up The Date
Turning on the camera and setting up the date When you turn on the camera for the first time, the screen to set date and time appears. Set the power switch to ON to turn on the camera. The screen to set date and time appears.
Page 26 Repeat step 4 to set other items, then press the center of the control wheel. Note • You cannot superimpose the date on images on this camera. Using “PMB” stored CD-ROM on the (supplied), you can save or print images with date. Refer to “PMB Help”...
Page 27: Mastering The Basic Operation
Mastering the basic operation Shooting still images In the (Intelligent Auto) mode, the camera analyzes the subject, and allows you to shoot with appropriate settings. Set the power switch to ON to turn on the camera. Point the camera to the subject.
Page 28: Recording Movies
Press the shutter button halfway down to focus. When the focus is confirmed, beeps sound and z lights up. Press the shutter button fully down to shoot. Recording movies Set the power switch to ON to turn on the camera. Point the camera to the subject.
Page 29: Playing Back Images
Notes • The sound of the camera and the lens in operation might be recorded while recording a movie. You can disable the sound recording by selecting [Menu] t [Setup] t [Movie Audio Rec] t [Off] (page 32, • 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.
Page 30: Deleting Images
Press the left side of the control wheel repeatedly to select (movie), and press the center. Turn the control wheel to select the desired movie, and press the center. During movie playback To pause/resume To fast-forward To fast-rewind To slow-forward To slow-reverse To adjust sound volume Deleting images...
Page 31 Press the center of the control wheel to confirm [OK]. Press [Cancel] to quit the operation. To delete several images Select [Menu] t [Playback] t [Delete] to select and delete specific images at the same time. [Cancel] [OK]...
Page 32: Using The Control Wheel And Soft Keys
Using the control wheel and soft keys The control wheel and soft keys allow you to use various functions of the camera. Control wheel When shooting, DISP (Display Contents), Comp.) and (Drive Mode) functions are assigned to the control wheel. When playing back, DISP (Display Contents) and are assigned to the control wheel.
Page 33 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.
Page 34: Using The Guide Function Of The Camera
Using the guide function of the camera The camera provides various “Help Guides” which explain the functions, and “Shooting Tips” which introduce tips for better shooting. Use these guides to make better use of the camera. Help Guides The camera displays the Help Guide to explain the selected function, when you change the setting, etc.
Page 35: Using The Recording Functions
Using the recording functions Defocusing the background easily (Background Defocus Control) In the [Intelligent Auto] mode, you can defocus the background easily to make the subject stand out. Press [Menu], then select [Shoot Mode] t (Intelligent Auto). Press the center of the control wheel.
Page 36: Selecting The Flash Mode
Selecting the flash mode Attach the flash (page 23). Press (Flash Mode) on the control wheel. Turn the control wheel to select the desired mode, and press the center. (Flash Off): Does not fire even if the flash is raised. (Autoflash): Fires if it is dark or against light.
Page 37: Adjusting The Brightness Of Still Images (Exposure Compensation)
Adjusting the brightness of still images (Exposure compensation) You can adjust the exposure in 1/3 EV steps in a range of –2.0 EV to +2.0 EV. Press (Exposure Comp.) on the control wheel. Turn the control wheel to select the desired value, and press the center.
Page 38: Shooting Still Images Continuously
Shooting still images continuously The camera records images continuously while you press and hold down the shutter button (max. 2.3 images per second). Press the control wheel. Turn the control wheel to select press the center. To shoot continuously at a higher speed Select (Speed Priority Cont.) from images continuously (max.
Page 39: Shooting With Various Drive Mode
Press DISP repeatedly to select the desired mode. 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.
Page 40: Scene Selection
Scene Selection Select SCN (Scene Selection) (page 39). Turn the control wheel to select the desired mode, and press the center. (Portrait): Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens the subject. Expresses skin tones softly. (Landscape): Shoots the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid colors.
Page 41: Sweep Panorama
Sweep Panorama While you pan the camera, the camera shoots several images and composes them into one panoramic image. Select (Sweep Panorama) (page 39). Point the camera at the edge of the subject, then press the shutter button fully down. Pan the camera to the end, following the guidance on the LCD monitor.
Page 42: Shutter Priority
Playing back scrolling panoramic images You can scroll panoramic images from the beginning to the end by pressing the center of the control wheel while panoramic images are being displayed. Press it again to pause. Shows the displayed area of the whole panoramic image.
Page 43: Aperture Priority
Shutter speed Aperture Priority You can adjust the range in focus, or defocuses the background. Select A (Aperture Priority) (page 39). Turn the control wheel to select the desired value, and press the center. When a faster shutter speed is used, a moving subject such as a running person, cars, and sea spray appears as if they are stopped.
Page 44: Selecting The Image Size
Selecting the image size The image size determines the size of the image file that is recorded when you take an image. The larger the image size, the more detail will be reproduced when the image is printed on large format paper. The smaller the image size, the more images can be recorded.
Page 45 Panorama The image size varies depending on the shooting direction (page 51). (Standard) (Wide) Movie NEX-5/5C [AVCHD] mode Average bit-rate 1920 × 1080 17 Mbps [MP4] mode Average bit-rate 1440 × 1080 12 Mbps VGA (640 × 480) 3 Mbps NEX-3/3C Image size Average...
Page 46: Focusing On The Face (Face Detection)
Focusing on the face (Face Detection) The camera detects the faces of your subjects and adjusts the focus on the face. You can select the priority face to be focused on. Press [Menu]. Use the control wheel to select [Camera] t [Face Detection], and press the center.
Page 47: Using The Playback Functions
Using the playback functions Enlarging the playback image (Enlarge Image) Press the (Playback) button to enter the playback mode. Display the image you want to enlarge, then press [Enlarge] (the center of the control wheel). Turn the control wheel to adjust the scaling. Press the top/bottom/right/left of the control wheel to select the portion you want to enlarge.
Page 48: Displaying The Image List
Displaying the image list Press the button to enter the playback mode. Press (Image Index) on the control wheel. Six images are displayed at a time. Turn the control wheel to select an image. • To return to the single-image screen, select the desired image, and press the center.
Page 49: Using Your Camera Abroad
Viewing images on a TV To view images recorded on the camera on a TV, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector are required. Connect the camera to the TV with an HDMI cable (sold separately).
Page 50: Checking The Functions Available
Checking the functions available Menu list When you press [Menu], six menu items; [Shoot Mode], [Camera], [Image Size], [Brightness/Color], [Playback], and [Setup], appear on the screen. You can set various functions in each item. Items that cannot be set in the context are displayed in gray.
Page 51 Camera Allows you to set shooting functions, such as continuous shooting, self-timer, and flash. Drive Mode Flash Mode AF/MF Select Autofocus Area Autofocus Mode Precision Dig. Zoom Face Detection Smile Shutter Smile Detection Panorama Direction Shooting Tip List Display Contents * NEX-5/5C only Selects the drive mode, such as continuous shooting, self-timer, or bracket shooting.
Page 52: Image Size
Image Size Allows you to set the image size and aspect ratio, etc. Still Image Size Aspect Ratio Quality Panorama Image Size Movie File Format* Image Size * NEX-5/5C only Brightness/Color Allows you to make brightness settings such as metering mode, and color settings such as white balance.
Page 53 Creative Style Playback Allows you to set playback functions. Delete Slide Show Still/Movie Select Image Index Select Folder Select Date Rotate Protect Enlarge Image Volume Settings Specify Printing Display Contents Setup Allows you to make more detailed shooting settings, or change the camera settings.
Page 54 Auto Review Grid Line Histogram MF Assist Color Space SteadyShot Release w/oLens Long Exposure NR High ISO NR Movie Audio Rec Main Settings Beep Language Date/Time Setup Area Setting Help Guide Display Power Save LCD Brightness Sets the display time of the image right after shooting. (10 Sec/5 Sec/2 Sec/Off) Turns on the grid line that helps you to adjust the composition of images.
Page 55 Display Color Wide Image Playback Display CTRL FOR HDMI USB Connection Cleaning Mode Version Demo Mode Reset Default Memory Card Tool Format File Number Folder Name Select Shoot. Folder New Folder Recover Image DB Display Card Space Eye-Fi Setup* Upload Settings * Appears when an Eye-Fi card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera.
Page 56: Functions Available For Each Shooting Mode
Eye-Fi cards can be used only in the countries/regions where they were purchased. Use Eye-Fi cards in accordance with the law of the countries/regions where you purchased the card. NEX-5C/3C do not have this function. Functions available for each shooting mode The functions you can use depend on the selected shooting mode.
Page 57: Flash Modes Available
Flash modes available The flash modes you can select depend on the shooting mode and functions selected. In the table below, indicates the function available. – indicates the function not available. The flash modes you cannot select are displayed in gray on the screen. Shoot Mode Intelligent Auto Sweep Panorama...
Page 58: Importing Images To The Computer
Importing images to the computer Installing the software To utilize images recorded with the camera, the following software is provided: • Sony Image Data Suite “Image Data Converter SR” “Image Data Lightbox SR” • “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) (Windows only) Note •...
Page 59 CD-ROM drive. The installation menu screen appears. Click [Install]. • Make sure that both “Sony Image Data Suite” and “PMB” are checked and follow the instructions on the screen. • Connect the camera to the computer during the procedure following the instructions on the screen.
Page 60: What You Can Do With The Supplied Software
Or, from the start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [PMB] t [PMB Help]. The support information for the “PMB” (English only): http://www.sony.co.jp/pmb-se/ Note • “PMB” is not compatible with Macintosh computers. “Image Data Converter SR”/“Image Data Lightbox SR”...
Page 61: Creating A Movie Disc (Nex-5/5C)
Notes • If you use a Sony DVDirect (DVD Writer), you can transfer data by inserting a memory card into the memory card slot of the DVD writer, or connecting your camera to the DVD writer with a USB cable.
Page 62 DVD-R discs, and a high definition image quality (HD) disc is created. • You can play a high definition image quality ( AVCHD format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player and a PlayStation®3. You cannot play the disc on ordinary DVD players.
Page 63: Others
The table shows the approximate number of still images that can be recorded on a memory card formatted with this camera. The values are defined using Sony standard memory cards for testing. The values may vary depending on the shooting conditions.
Page 64 – Using the battery pack that is charged for an hour after the CHARGE lamp goes out. – Using Sony “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (sold separately). • The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard. (CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)
Page 65: List Of Icons On The Lcd Monitor
List of icons on the LCD monitor 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. Shooting standby Graphic display Movie recording Playback Display Indication Shooting mode P A S M...
Page 66 Display Indication Remaining battery 100% Scene Recognition icons Flash charge in progress AF illuminator Does not record sound during movie recording Camera shake warning Overheating warning Database file full/ Database file error Histogram 101-0012 Playback folder – File number Protect Print order and number of copies Display...
Page 67 Display Indication Drive Mode Focus mode Flash compensation ±0.0 Metering Mode Focus area mode Face Detection Smile Shutter White Balance 7500K G9 Creative Style DRO/Auto HDR Display Indication Smile detection sensitivity indicator...
Page 68: Learning More About The Camera (Α Handbook)
Learning more about the camera (α Handbook) “α Handbook,” which explains how to use the camera in detail, is included on the CD-ROM (supplied). Refer to it for in-depth instructions on the many functions of the camera. For Windows users Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into the CD-ROM drive.
Page 69: Troubleshooting
Remove the battery pack, wait for about one minute, re- insert the battery pack, then turn on the power. Reset the settings (page 55). Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Battery pack and power The battery pack cannot be installed.
Page 70: Shooting Images
• If you do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns to power saving mode. To cancel the power save, operate the camera, such as pressing the shutter button halfway down. The CHARGE lamp flashes when charging the battery pack. •...
Page 71 • You are shooting in manual focus mode. Set [AF/MF Select] to [Autofocus]. • Ambient light is insufficient. • The subject may require special focusing. Use the [Flexible Spot] or manual focus function. The flash does not work. • Raise the flash (page 23). •...
Page 72: Viewing Images
The image is whitish (Flare). Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting). • The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive light has entered the lens. When using the zoom lens, attach a lens hood. The corners of the picture are too dark. •...
Page 73: Precautions
Precautions Notes on the LCD monitor and lens • The LCD monitor is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99 % of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD monitor.
Page 74 Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Charging method of the internal rechargeable battery Insert a charged battery pack into the...
Page 75 formatting permanently erases all data on the memory card, and is unrecoverable. Save precious data on a computer, etc. • If you repeatedly record/delete images, fragmentation of data may occur on the memory card. Movies may not be able to be saved or recorded.
Page 76: Specifications
• Discs recorded with HD (high definition) image quality can be played back only on AVCHD format-compatible devices. DVD-based players or recorders cannot play back HD image quality discs, as they are incompatible with the AVCHD format. Also, DVD-based players or recorders may fail to eject HD image quality discs.
Page 77 [Recording media] “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card [LCD monitor] LCD panel: 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT drive Total number of dots: 921 600 (640 × 3 (RGB) ×...
Page 78 Lens On the E18 – 200 mm lens, refer to the instruction manual of the E18 – 200 mm lens (supplied). Lens Camera Equivalent 35 mm-format focal length* (mm) Lens groups-elements Angle of view* Minimum focus* (m (feet)) Maximum magnification (×) Minimum f-stop Filter diameter (mm)
Page 79 Trademarks • is a trademark of Sony Corporation. • “Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick PRO,” “Memory Stick Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,”...
Page 80 • Eye-Fi is a trademark of Eye-Fi Inc. • MultiMediaCard is a trademark of MultiMediaCard Association. • “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. • Adobe is a registered trademark or a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/ or other countries.
Page 81: Index
Index AF Illuminator ... 53 AF/MF Select... 51 Anti Motion Blur ... 40 Aperture Priority ... 43 Area Setting ... 54 Aspect Ratio... 52 Auto Review ... 54 Autofocus Area ... 51 Autofocus Mode ... 51 Background Defocus Control ... 35 Battery pack ...
Page 82 Long Exposure NR ... 54 Macintosh ... 59 Macro ... 40 Manual Exposure ... 39 Memory card... 21 Menu ... 50 Metering Mode ... 52 MF Assist... 54 Moisture condensation... 74 Movie ... 28 Movie Audio Rec... 54 New Folder ... 55 Night Portrait ...

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Sony NEX-3C Instruction Manual

Preparing the Camera

Mastering the Basic Operation

Using the Recording Functions

Using the Playback Functions

Checking the Functions Available

Importing Images to the Computer

Others