Sony NEX-C3A User manual

The performance of a DSLR in about half the size and weight. With
the new Photo Creativity interface, you can take professional-
grade pictures without having to be a professional photographer.
Enjoy gorgeous HD movies,1 astounding low-light pictures,
continuous shooting up to 5.5 fps, incredible panorama shots, and
Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch LCD.
Bullets
• The quality of a DSLR in about half the size and weight
• World’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with a large APS-C
sensor3
• Same APS-C sensor size, same resolution as Alpha DSLRs
• 16.2 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor
• Up to 5.5 fps shooting to capture the decisive moment
• Best in class ISO 12800 sensitivity for clear low-light images
• HD movie shooting at 720/30p1
• 3D Sweep Panorama Mode: incredible views to enjoy on 3DTV4
• 6-image layering: Anti Motion Blur & Hand-held Twilight
• Auto HDR captures more contrast than one exposure can
• Live View on the LCD; what you see is what you get
• Tiltable 3.0” LCD , 921K pixels, TruBlack screen
• Contrast Auto Focus takes just 0.3 seconds, on average
• Intelligent Auto Focus pre-focuses as you compose
• iAUTO mode, you get the right settings automatically
• On-screen Help Guide explains modes and settings
• On-screen Shooting Tips help you shoot like a pro
• LCD tilts down 45°, up 80° for high-, low-angle shots
• Control Wheel + Customizable So Keys for fast, simple use
• Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor: beautiful pictures
• BIONZ® image processor for high speed, low noise
• Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) elicits shadow detail
• Accepts Sony E-mount lenses
• Accepts A-mount lenses via LA-EA1 adaptor6
• 25-point Auto Focus covers varied shooting situations
• Multi-segment measuring for accurate exposure
• Manual Focus Assist for razor-sharp images
• Peaking function for precise manual focusing
• RAW image les maintain maximum latitude
• “Background Defocus” control for stunning shots
• Optical SteadyShot stabilization in selected lenses
• Image management and editing soware included
• Face Detection technology captures faces naturally
• Smile Shutter technology automatically captures a smile
• HDMI® output with BRAVIA® Sync compatibility7
NEX-C3A/B

• 8 Scene Selection modes and 6 Creative Style settings
• 11 Picture Eect variations for more creative expression
• Photo Creativity provides easy access to image adjustments
• P/A/S/M operating modes; full manual control
• Advanced Anti-Dust Technology keeps imager clean
• Stamina™ battery power for up to 400 shots8
• Detachable ash unit is compact, yet powerful; GN 7
• Dual format media card slot (required, sold separately)
• PhotoTV HD compatibility9 for vivid playback on TV
• Index and Slide Show display
Features
Smallest in class
This is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera using an APS-C size sensor
(as of June 2011). We removed the conventional mirror box, AF sensor and viewnder, reducing
the “ange back” distance from 44.5 mm to 18 mm. The result has all the quality of an  DSLR, in
about half the size and weight.
Interchangeable lenses
Compatible with Sony’s E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specically for 
compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.
APS-C size HD image sensor
The same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized  DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the
typical image sensor, APS-C makes the dierence between “snapshots” and “photographs,”
delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred
backgrounds.
HD movie recording
Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Shoot 720/30p high denition or
standard denition 480/30p.1
16.2 megapixel resolution
You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-
light sensitivity or sensor noise.
Up to 5.5 frames per second
Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 5.5 fps continuous
shooting at full 16.2 MP resolution with exposure and focus xed at the rst frame. Standard
continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps.
ISO 12800 sensitivity
Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacricing detail. As of June 2011, this is best-in-class
performance, made possible by low-noise Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and rened
BIONZ® image processor.
3D Sweep Panorama™ Mode4
Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama,
the camera records separate right-eye and le-eye images that make landscapes come alive
on your 3D television4. Records both JPEG and MPO le formats.
Sweep Panorama
Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally.
The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23
MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).
Anti Motion Blur mode

Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The
camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a
second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.
Hand-held Twilight Mode
Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—
without using ash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and
captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single
image of extraordinary detail and low noise.
Auto HDR built into camera
High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure
can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail
from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing
soware. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes.
Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)
Live View LCD
The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-
get preview of white balance, focus, depth of eld, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus
informative on-screen displays.
Tiltable 3” LCD screen
Empowers your photography with a dierent point or view. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame
high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.
921K pixel TruBlack™ LCD screen
Sony’s Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has best-in-class resolution (as of June 2011). The TruBlack™
screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reections, increase contrast compared
to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight.
Fast Auto Focus
Some cameras in this class are slow to focus. That can make you miss the shot on fast-moving
subjects like sports and unpredictable subjects like pets and babies. Sony’s fast Contrast Auto
Focus system typically takes just 0.3 seconds. Also oers continuous Auto Focus when shooting
movies.10
Intelligent Auto Focus
Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.
iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode
Unies and simplies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene
Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization without
leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.
On-screen Help Guide
Provides ready reference, explains the camera’s modes and settings. Walks you through
camera operation so you get the best shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater
sophistication.
On-screen Shooting Tips
Oers expert advice so you can shoot like a pro.
Control Wheel + Customizable So Keys
Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-C3 features a simple turn-and-
click Control Wheel and context-sensitive So Keys. It’s elegant, uncluttered and intuitive.
Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can
slow you down. The NEX-C3 Exmor™ sensor provides 4,912 column-parallel A/D converters. You
get fast response, superb image clarity.
BIONZ® image processor

The brains of the camera is a rened version of Sony’s BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise
reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables fast
processing for up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.2 megapixel images, 2D/3D
Sweep Panorama and 6 image layering.
Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)
Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in
shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of ve operating levels and O.
Accepts α DSLR A-mount lenses6
Using the LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of  A-mount system
lenses, which includes 34 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide.
Operational restrictions apply.6
25-point Auto Focus
25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is
far from the center of the frame.
Multi-segment metering
Optimizes exposure based on 49 segments. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering
accommodates a full range of shooting situations.
Manual Focus Assist
Greatly magnies the viewnder image when you touch the focus ring, making it easy to get
razor-sharp images. Works with E-mount lenses only.
Peaking for Precise Focus
The Peaking function makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that
are in focus in your choice of three colors ( white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during
macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot.
RAW image capture
The NEX-C3 saves your pictures as compact JPEG les or ultra-high quality RAW les. RAW les
save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This
retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.
“Background Defocus” control
Cameras with APS-C sensors take beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That
helps make your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography. But you’ve
had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the
Control Wheel one way for backgrounds in focus, the other for background defocus.
Accepts image stabilized lenses
Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization to combat the
eects of camera shake. Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be
remarkably thin and light.
Powerful supplied soware11
To help you rene and manage your images, the camera is equipped with computer soware
including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).11
Face Detection technology
The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure,
white balance and ash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can
prioritize children or adults.
Smile Shutter™ technology
Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the
camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile
sensitivity.
HDMI® output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an
HDMI® output.12 In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA
HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television’s remote.7
Eight Scene Selection Modes
These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specic shooting situations. Select from
Portrait, Sports, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Night Shot
modes.
Six Creative Style settings
Control how the camera processes your images with six nishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait,
Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even ne-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your
personal taste.
Photo Creativity interface
The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression of SLR-quality
digital imaging. Changes can be combined/removed and viewed in real time on the LCD
making it a breeze to make adjustments. Choose from seven dierent Photo Creativity functions
using the convenient control wheel and center button: Picture Eect, Background Defocus
Control, So Skin Eect, Color, Brightness, Vividness, and Self-timer / Continuous Advance.
Picture Eect mode
There are 7 types (11 variations) of picture eects to choose from: Posterization (Color),
Posterization (B/W), Pop Color,Retro Photo, Partial Color(R), Partial Color(G), Partial Color(B),
Partial Color(Y), High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera. Each is unique and each
give you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos pop.
P/A/S/M operating modes
The NEX-C3 oers a full range of controls from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program,
Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you rene your skills, build
your condence and exercise greater creative control.
Anti-Dust Technology
Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear
pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass lter helps repel dust. Then vibration
automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.
Up to 400 Shots8 of battery life
Take up to 400 shots on a single charge8 with Sony® lithium ion Stamina™ battery power. Sony’s
InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can
keep shooting in condence.
Supplied detachable ash
To help you shoot more eectively in formal portraits, the supplied ash has a Guide Number of 7.
Dual Format Media Card Slot
For cost-eective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts
Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher
recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)
PhotoTV HD compatibility9
Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures.
Index and Slide Show Display
Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with
fade-in/fade-out eect.
Supplied accessories
The kit includes a NP-FW50 Lithium ion rechargeable battery, BC-VW1 battery charger, Mini B USB
cable, soware CD and shoulder strap.

Specications
Camera
Lens
Compatibility
Sony E-mount lens,
(Sony A-mount
lenses when used
with LA-EA1 lens
adaptor)
Lens Mount Sony E-mount
Camera Type
Sony E-mount
interchangeable
lens digital
camera
Imaging Sensor
Imaging Sensor
Exmor™ APS HD
CMOS sensor (23.5
X 15.6mm)
Processor BIONZ™ image
processor
Anti Dust
Charge protection
coating on Low-
Pass Filter and
electromagnetic
vibration
mechanism
Pixel Gross Approx. 16.5
megapixels
Eective
Picture
Resolution
Approx. 16.2
megapixels
Focal Length
Conversion
Factor 1.5x
Color Filter
System
RGB primary color
lters
Recording
Media Type
Memory Stick PRO
Duo™/Pro-HG
Duo™/PRO-HG HX
Duo™ media SD,
SDHC and SDXC
memory card
Color Space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Still Image
Mode
JPEG (Standard,
Fine), RAW,
RAW+JPEG
Still Image Size
16:9
L (14M): 4912 X
2760 M (7.1M):
3568 X 2000 S
(3.4M): 2448 X
1376
Still Image Size
3:2
L (16M): 4912 X
3264 M (8.4M):
3568 X 2368 S (4M):
2448 X 1624
Video Format MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC
(H.264))
Video
Resolution
MP4 HD: 1280
x 720/ 30p MP4
VGA: 640 x 480/
30p
Audio Format MPEG-4 AAC-LC
Optics/Lens
Lens Type E-mount 16mm
F2.8
Lens Mount
Type Sony E-mount
Aperture (Max.) f/2.8
Aperture (Min.) f/22
Focal Length
(35mm
equivalent)
24mm (35mm
equivalent)
Filter Diameter 49mm
Lens Groups-
Elements
5 groups, 5
elements (1
aspheric surfaces)
Minimum Focus
Distance 9.4" (0.24m)
Aperture Blade 7 blades (Circular
aperture)
Non-rotating
Focusing Ring No rotation
Viewnder
Magnication 0.073x (APS-C)
(when attached)
LCD Display
LCD Type
3.0” TFT Xtra
Fine™ LCD
(921,600 pixels)
w/TruBlack™
technology
Angle
Adjustment
Up: Approx. 80
degrees, Down:
Approx. 45
degrees
Brightness
Control
Auto (-2 to +2 step
sunny weather)
Coverage 100%
Live View Yes, (Constant AF
Live View)
Real-time
image
adjustment
display
Exposure
Compensation,
WB, Creative Style
Histogram Yes (On/o)
Peaking
Yes (MF only, Level
setting: High/Mid/
Low/O), (Color:
White/Red/Yellow)
Grid Display Yes (On/o)
Customization
Brightness: Auto,
Manual, Sunny
Weather Display
Color: Black,
White, Blue, Pink
Focus Control
Focus System Contrast AF
Focus Points 25 points
AF Modes
Single-shot AF,
Continuous AF,
Direct Manual
Focus, Manual
Focus
Focus Area
Multi Point AF (25
points), Center
Weighted AF,
Flexible Spot AF
Focus Sensitivity
0 EV to +20 EV (at
ISO100 conversion
with F2.8 lens)
Manual Focus
Assist
Magnied display
for precise manual
focus
Focus Features
Predictive Focus
Control, Focus
Lock
AF Illuminator Built-in, LED type
Exposure System
Picture Eect(s) Toy Camera,Pop
Color,Posterization
Auto Exposure
Lock
Yes (AE Lock with
focus lock)
Color
Temperature
2500 - 9900 k
with 19-step
Magenta / Green
compensation
Creative Style
Standard,
Vivid, Portrait,
Landscape,
Sunset, B/W
D-Range
Optimizer
Yes: (Auto, Level
1-5, o)
Exposure
Compensation
±2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV
steps)
Exposure
Settings
iAUTO, Program
Auto (P), Aperture
priority (A), Shutter
priority (S), Manual
(M), Sweep
Panorama (2D),
Sweep Panorama
(3D), Anti Motion
Blur, Picture Eect,
Scene Selection
ISO Auto, 200 to 12800
Metering
49 Segment
metering from
CMOS image
sensor
Metering
Modes
Multi-segment,
Center-weighted,
Spot
Metering
Sensitivity
0EV-20EV, (at ISO
100 equivalent w/
f/2.8 lens)
Noise
Reduction
Long exp.NR: (On/
O, available at
shutter speeds
longer than 1
second) High ISO
NR: (Auto/Weak)
Scene Mode(s)
Portrait,
Landscape,
Macro, Sports
action, Sunset,
Night portrait,
Night View,
Handheld Twilight
White Balance
Mode
Auto,Daylight,
Shade, Cloudy,
Incandescent,
Fluorescent, Flash,
Setting the color
temperature,
Color Filter,
Custom
Drive System
Burst Buer
JPEG (Fine: 14
shots, Standard:
18 shots), RAW (6
shots), RAW+JPEG
(6 shots)

1. Records in up to 29 minutes segments.
3. World's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera utilizing APS-C size sensor as of June 2011
4. Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold sep.
6. Attaching Sony A-mount lens requires LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately). Autofocus available with SSM and SAM series lenses.
7. Compatible with BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ HDTVs connected via HDMI®.
8. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.
9. Requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and cable sold sep.
10. Auto Focus function available with Sony E-Mount lenses and Sony A-mount SSM and SAM series lenses.
11. Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Soware not compatible with Mac OS® X.
12. Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold sep.
© 2011 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographic and photographic
errors. Features and specications are subject to change without notice. Sony, BIONZ, BRAVIA, BRAVIA Sync, Cyber-shot, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick
Duo, the Memory Stick logo, Optical SteadyShot, Remote Commander, Smile Shutter, Stamina, SteadyShot, Theatre Sync, TruBlack, and Xtra Fine LCD are trademarks of Sony. Microso,
Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microso Corporation. Mac OS and iMovie are trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other
trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. /Updated: January 18, 2012
Continuous
Shooting Speed
Continuous
(2.5fps) Speed
Priority (5.5fps)
Drive Mode
Single-shot,
Continuous,
Speed Priority, Self-
timer, Continuous
Self-timer,
Bracketing
Flash Sync
Speed 1/160 seconds
Self-timer
2-sec. or 10-sec.
delay, (single,
continuous 3 or 5
frames)
Shutter Speeds 1/4000 to 30
seconds, bulb
Shutter Type
Electronically-
controlled,
vertical-traverse,
focal-plane shutter
Flash
Flash
Bracketing
3 frames, 1/3,
2/3EV steps
selectable
Flash
Compensation +/-2EV,1/3EV steps
Flash Coverage
FOV coverage up
to 16 mm (in the
focal length)
Flash Metering
System Pre-ash TTL