Product Review
Interchangeable Lens Camera
Sony NEX-C3
Key Features
· 16.2MP APS HD CMOS Sensor
· Interchangeable-lens versatility
· ISO 200-1600 (12,800 selectable)
· HD video recording
· 3-inch articulating LCD screen, 921,600 pixels
· 3D sweep panorama
· Anti-dust system
· Photo creativity interface
· Hand-held twilight
· 25 multi-point AF
· HDMI mini connector
Sony introduced the NEX series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with the NEX-3 and NEX-5 in 2010. Following the success of this range, the NEX-C3 has been added to the line up.
The NEX-C3 has been designed to attract amateur photographers who want a quality camera with the versatility of interchangeable lenses, without moving to a DSLR. It has an even smaller and lighter body than its predecessors, which appeals to compact owners who are used to a lightweight, smaller sized camera.
Highlights of the model include an increase to a 16.2 MP APS HD sensor, 3-inch high resolution articulating screen, HD movies (720p30) and 25 multi-point autofocus, along with 3D sweep panorama, picture effect and photo creativity modes.
A comparison of the NEX-C3 and its closest competition is listed in the following table;
SLR Cameras – Key Features Comparison
|
| Sony NEX-C3 | Panasonic GF3 | Olympus E-PL3 |
| Sensor | 16.2 effective Megapixels | 12.1 effective Megapixels | 12.3 effective Megapixels |
| ISO | 200-12800 | 160-6400 | 200-12800 |
| Autofocus | 25 multi-point AF | 23 area-focusing AF | 35-area multiple AF |
| Touch screen | No | Yes | No |
| Flash | External | Built-in
| External |
| Viewfinder | No | No | Optional |
| LCD panel | 3-inch TFT articulating | 3-inch TFT | 3-inch tilting HyperCrystal 460,000 pixels |
| Movie mode | MP4 | AVCHD & Motion JPEG | AVCHD & Motion JPEG
|
| Dimensions | 110 x 60 x 33mm | 108 x 67 x 33 mm | 109mm x 64 x 37 mm |
| Weight | 225g | 222g | 313g |
The NEX-C3 is ideal for compact owners who are looking for greater versatility, creative options and an easy to use automatic mode (iAuto), all in a small body. The NEX-C3 delivers excellent image quality with the added benefit of HD video, without moving to a DSLR camera.
Due to the lightweight design, it is ideal for outdoor photography and activities such as hiking. Although it is a little heavier with the lens attached, it is still a much lighter body option than using a SLR.
The Sony NEX-C3 camera is available with the following lenses;
Sony digital cameras, Sony SLR cameras, SLR lenses and Sony camera accessories are available at Georges Camera Store Sydney or online at http://www.georges.com.au




