Verdict
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £400
Sony NEX-3N sample image gallery
Sony has complimented the release of the Sony A58 with the launch of the Sony NEX-3N – an all-new entry-level Compact System Camera. Arriving eight months after the launch of the Sony NEX-F3, the Sony NEX-3N becomes the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor.
Sitting just below the Sony NEX-5R, the Sony NEX-3N is an incredibly lightweight compact system camera that weighs just 210g on the scales. The camera features the same 16.1MP sensor as found on Sony NEX-5R, however Sony claim new algorithms have been used to further improve the image quality at high ISO. Similar to the Sony A58, the Sony NEX-3N offers a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200-16000.
Complemented by an evolved BIONZ processor that uses the same area specific noise reduction techniques featured on the acclaimed full-frame A99, the levels of noise reduction and sharpness are individually adjusted for different image areas. Adding to this, the Sony NEX-3N features a redesigned handgrip. The shape of the grip may be smaller but it has been enhanced to make it more comfortable to hold in the hand. What’s more, the 3in, 460k-dot screen can be tilted by 180 degrees to make it easier to shoot self portrait images.
Developments to the body include a newly added zoom lever, offering fingertip control of focal length with compatible lenses like the slim, light 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom that’s available in kit form. Great for one-handed portrait framing, the zoom lever has a dual purpose and can be used to adjust the digital zoom when not using a powered lens.
Anyone who knows a thing or two about photography understands that great photos start with a great composition. The Sony NEX-3N features a brand new Auto Object Framing technology which is designed to help shoot better looking, more professional results with minimal effort. The camera judges what is in the scene – one person, two people or even macro and moving objects – automatically cropping the shot to create more powerful, professionally framed compositions.
The Sony NEX-3N is currently supported by 13 different e-mount lenses and is expected to hit the shelves in mid-March just before Easter. Two kit options will be made available, with the Sony NEX-3N and 16-50mm power zoom costing approximately £400. The twin lens kit (16-50mm and 55-210mm) is expected to cost in the region of £600.
Watch our first look video review…
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Technical Specifications
Image sensor: Exmor APS HD CMOS with approx. 16.1 effective megapixels
Autofocus system: Contrast-detection with 25 AF points
ISO sensitivity range: Still images: ISO 200 – 16000 Movies: ISO 200 – 3200 equivalent
Movie recording format: Full HD video AVCHD 50i/25p
Optical viewfinder: N/A
LCD screen: 7.5cm / 3.0-type 460K-dot; tilt angle up 180°
Continuous shooting: 4 fps (approx.)
Picture Effect: 11 modes, 15 effects
Dimensions: 109.9 x 62.0 x 34.6 mm (approx.)
Weight: (with battery and memory card; approx.) 269 g
Weight: (body only; approx.) 210 g
Battery life: (approx.) 480 shots
Connections / interfaces: Multi/Micro USB* (allows charging); HDMI Type D
*Supports Micro USB compatible device
Built-in flash: GN4; ISO 100·m / (GN6; ISO 200·m)
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
