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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2013-02-05T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Sony is always Good

Nice Little camera

Mughal

2012-02-23T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great little camera.

I am an amateur photographer, and I wanted a small camera with DSLR like capabilities. This would be the camera that I will carry with me when I do not want to lug around bulky equipment. If I have to pick one single reason as the main criteria for selecting the Nex-C3, it is the sensor size. The Nex-C3 has a 16.2Mp APS-C CMOS Sensor with a 1.5 crop factor, which is the same as some larger DX cameras such as the Nikon D300. Other advanced small cameras with in the same price range have smaller sensors. In general a larger size sensor allows the capture of images with greater signal to noise ratio and dynamic range than a smaller sensor. Full frame cameras (FX) have a crop factor of 1.0 (same size as 35mm film). DX cameras such as Nikon D300 have the smaller APS-C sensor with 1.5 crop factor. Four Thirds Systems such as Panasonic LX5, GF3 and Olympus EP3 have a crop factor of 2.0. The new Nikon 1 J1, V1 have an even smaller sensor with a 2.7 crop factor. Other features that I liked: • Excellent picture quality. • RAW Image Capture. • Live View on LCD. • Extra fine resolution LCD. • HD video capture. • Battery life is pretty good. • Interchangeable lenses. With the help of inexpensive adapters, I was able to use all of my old Nikon manual focus lenses. The camera has a manual focus assist feature and auto/manual metering that works very well with manual lenses. Although, I did not consider this as part of my criteria, I am extremely pleased with this capability. It brought back to life my old manual focus Nikon lenses. I specially loved my Nikon 50mm F/1.4, but, I have not used it since I stopped using my film camera; and they are too hard to focus manually when I use it with my newer D300S. I can also use my newer Nikon AF with the Nex-C3, and with the proper adapter, even the G type lenses can be used. I have a lot of fun using my Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G with this camera. Things that I did not like or I wish it had: • Does not have a View finder. • Does not have the capability to be triggered remotely. • Some nice features of this camera, such as the Multi-Exposure, work only in JPEG mode. Do not work in RAW mode. In conclusion, I am happy with the camera. Although, it does not replace my D300s, I find that I am using this camera more often that my D300s.

JORGE R.

Sony NEX-C3 Specifications

  • Drive System: Burst Buffer

    JPEG (Fine: 14 shots, Standard: 18 shots), RAW (6 shots), RAW+JPEG (6 shots)

  • Drive System: Contn. Shooting Speed

    Continuous (2.5fps) Speed Priority (5.5fps)

  • Drive System: Drive Mode

    Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Continuous Self-timer, Bracketing

  • Drive System: Flash Sync Speed

    1/160 seconds

  • Drive System: Self-timer

    2-sec. or 10-sec. delay, (single, continuous 3 or 5 frames)

  • Drive System: Shutter Speeds

    1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb

  • Drive System: Shutter Type

    Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter

  • Lens Compatibility

    Sony E-mount lens, (Sony A-mount lenses when used with LA-EA1 lens adaptor)

  • 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

  • Effective Picture Resolution

    Approx. 16.2 megapixels

  • Focal Length Conversion Factor

    1.5x

  • Color Filter System

    RGB primary color filters

  • Recording: Media Type

    Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo/PRO-HG HX Duo media SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card

  • Recording: Color Space

    sRGB, AdobeRGB

  • Recording: Still Image Mode

    JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG

  • Recording: Still Image Size 16:9

    L (14M): 4912 X 2760, M (7.1M): 3568 X 2000, S (3.4M): 2448 X 1376

  • Recording: Still Image Size 3:2

    L (16M): 4912 X 3264, M (8.4M): 3568 X 2368, S (4M): 2448 X 1624

  • Recording: Video Format

    MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))

  • Recording: Video Resolution

    MP4 HD: 1280 x 720/ 30p MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p

  • Recording: Audio Format

    MPEG-4 AAC-LC

  • Interface: BRAVIA Sync

    Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

  • Interface: DVDirect

    Yes, via USB

  • Interface: HD Output

    HDMI (TypeC mini)

  • Interface: Memory Card Slot

    Dual slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo/PRO-HG HX Duo media - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card

  • Interface: PhotoTV HD

    Yes, with BRAVIA Sync enabled HDTV and HDMI cable

  • Interface: USB Port(s)

    USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

  • Focus Control: Focus System

    Contrast AF

  • Focus Control: Focus Points

    25 points

  • Focus Control: AF Modes

    Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus

  • Focus Control: Focus Area

    Multi Point AF (25 points), Center Weighted AF, Flexible Spot AF

  • Focus Control: Focus Sensitivity

    0 EV to +20 EV (at ISO100 conversion with F2.8 lens)

  • Focus Control: Manual Focus Assist

    Magnified display for precise manual focus

  • Focus Control: Focus Features

    Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock

  • Focus Control: AF Illuminator

    Built-in, LED type

  • Viewfinder

    Magnification: 0.073x (APS-C)(when attached)

  • Face Detection

    Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority

  • Smile Shutter technology

    Yes - Off, Slight, Normal, Big

  • Advanced User Interface

    Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu

  • Anti Motion Blur

    6-image layering

  • Auto High Dynamic Range

    Yes, (Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step), off)

  • Photo Creativity

    Yes (via iAuto Mode)

  • Shooting Tips

    80 expert advice shooting tips

  • Sweep Panorama

    Horizontal, Vertical and 3D Panorama

  • LCD Type

    3.0" TFT Xtra Fine LCD (921,600 pixels) w/TruBlack technology

  • LCD Display: Angle Adjustment

    Up: Approx. 80 degrees, Down: Approx. 45 degrees

  • LCD Display: Brightness Control

    Auto (-2 to +2 step sunny weather)

  • LCD Display: Coverage

    100%

  • LCD Display: Live View

    Yes, (Constant AF Live View)

  • LCD Display: Real-time image adjustment

    Exposure Compensation, WB, Creative Style

  • LCD Display: Histogram

    Yes (On/off)

  • LCD Display: Peaking

    Yes (MF only, Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off), (Color: White/Red/Yellow)

  • LCD Display: Grid Display

    Yes (On/off)

  • LCD Display: Customization

    Brightness: Auto, Manual, Sunny Weather Display Color: Black, White, Blue, Pink

  • Lens Type

    E-mount 16mm F2.8

  • Optics/Lens: Aperture (Max.)

    f/2.8

  • Optics/Lens: Aperture (Min.)

    f/22

  • Optics/Lens: Focal Length

    24mm (35mm equivalent)

  • Optics/Lens: Filter Diameter

    49mm

  • Optics/Lens: Lens Groups-Elements

    5 groups, 5 elements (1 aspheric surfaces)

  • Optics/Lens: Minimum Focus Distance

    9.4" (0.24m)

  • Optics/Lens: Aperture Blade

    7 blades (Circular aperture)

  • Optics/Lens: Non-rotating Focusing Ring

    No rotation

  • Exposure System: Picture Effect(s)

    Toy Camera, Pop Color, Posterization (Color),Posterization (B/W)),Retro Photo, High-key, Partial Color(R),Partial Color(G),Partial Color(B), Partial Color(Y),High Contrast Monochrome

  • Exposure System: Auto Exposure Lock

    Yes (AE Lock with focus lock)

  • Exposure System: Color Temperature

    2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation

  • Exposure System: Creative Style

    Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W

  • Exposure System: D-Range Optimizer

    Yes: (Auto, Level 1-5, off)

  • Exposure System: Exposure Compensation

    +/-2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)

  • Exposure System: Exposure Settings

    iAUTO, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama (2D), Sweep Panorama (3D), Anti Motion Blur, Picture Effect, Scene Selection

  • Exposure System: ISO

    Auto, 200 to 12800

  • Exposure System: Metering

    49 Segment metering from CMOS image sensor

  • Exposure System: Metering Modes

    Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

  • Exposure System: Metering Sensitivity

    0EV-20EV, (at ISO 100 equivalent w/ f/2.8 lens)

  • Exposure System: Noise Reduction

    Long exp.NR: (On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 second) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak)

  • Exposure System: Scene Mode(s)

    Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight

  • Exposure System: White Balance Mode

    Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Color Filter, Custom

  • Power: Battery Type

    InfoLITHIUM NP-FW50 (7.2V)

  • Power: Number of Still Images

    Approx. 400 images (CIPA standard)

  • 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-flash TTL

  • Flash Modes

    Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction

  • Flash Type

    Smart accessory terminal (HVL-F7S Flash Supplied)

  • Guide Number

    7 (in meters at ISO 100)

  • Recycling Time

    Approx. 4 sec.

  • Supplied Software

    PMB (Picture Motion Browser) v5.2; Image Data Converter SR v3.2; Image Data Lightbox SR v2.2

  • Operating System Compatibility

    Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7; Mac OS X (v10.3-10.6), PMB is not compatible with Mac OS.

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)

    4.37 x 2.37 x 1.31" (109.6 x 60.0 x 33.0mm); 1.06" (25.9mm) excl grip and lens mount

  • Weight

    7.9 oz / 225 g (Excl Battery & Media)
    10.0 oz / 283 g (W/battery & Media)

  • UPC Code

    027242826854

11 Accessories for Sony Alpha NEX-C3 16MP Compact Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Kit with E-mount 18-55mm Lens, Black

  • All Accessories (11)
  • Batteries & Power Supply (1)
  • Filters (1)
  • Filter and Filter Kits (1)
  • Bags & Cases (1)
  • Lens Adapters (7)

About Sony NEX-C3

Sony Alpha NEX-C3 camera is capable of going everywhere you do. Adjust the brilliantly tiltable 3.0 LCD screen to review on the go or use it to frame-up your next shot. Check out a multitude of modes including Sweep Panorama in 2D and 3D, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur. Catch all the action in 720/30p HD or 480/30p standard definition to playback and share later. Get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements thanks to 16.2MP resolution and Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology. Includes E-mount 18-55mm zoom lens.

Sony NEX-C3 Features

  • HD movie recording: Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Shoot 720/30p high definition or standard definition 480/30p
  • ISO 12800 sensitivity: Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail. As of June 2011, this is best-in-class performance, made possible by low-noise Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ image processor
  • 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
  • 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
  • Manual Focus Assist: Greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch the focus ring, making it easy to get razor-sharp images. Works with E-mount lenses only
  • Face Detection technology: The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults
  • Picture Effect mode: There are 7 types (11 variations) of picture effects 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
  • Up to 400 Shots of battery life: Take up to 400 shots on a single charge 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 confidence
  • PhotoTV HD compatibility: Optimizes compatible BRAVIA televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures
  • Interchangeable lenses: Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for a compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options
  • 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
  • 3D Sweep Panorama Mode: Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television4. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats
  • Tiltable 3" LCD screen: Empowers your photography with a different point or view. Tilts down 45deg. and up 80deg. to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss
  • Intelligent Auto Focus: Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum
  • On-screen Shooting Tips: Offers expert advice so you can shoot like a pro
  • 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
  • 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/yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot
  • Accepts image stabilized lenses: Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake. Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be remarkably thin and light
  • 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
  • P/A/S/M operating modes: The NEX-C3 offers 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 refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control
  • 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 effect
  • 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 fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps
  • 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
  • 921K pixel TruBlack LCD screen: Sony's Xtra Fine LCD monitor has best-in-class resolution. The TruBlack screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increase contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight
  • iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode: Unifies and simplifies 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

What's in the box:

  • Sony Alpha NEX-C3 16MP Lens Digital Camera
  • SEL1855 E-Mount 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Lens
  • Power Cord
  • USB Cable (Mini B)
  • Lens Cap
  • NP-FW50 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
  • CD-ROM
  • BC-VW1 Battery Charger
  • Shoulder Strap
  • Sony 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty