We go hands-on with the Sony NEX-3N – Sony's latest Compact System Camera

Product Overview

Sony NEX-3N

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Sony NEX-3N Review

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Price as reviewed:

£400.00
Sony NEX-3N sample image gallery

 

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.

 

Sony NEX-3N front

 

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.

 

Sony NEX-3N rear

 

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.

 

Sony NEX-3N top plate

 

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.

 

sony nex 3n button detail

 

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.

 

Sony NEX-3N hands on

 

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.

 

Sony NEX-3N

 

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)

Details

Video:1920 x 1080, AVCHD 50i/25p
LCD:3in, 460k-dot tilt-angle LCD screen
Memory Card:SD / SDHC / SDXC / Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
ISO:200 - 16000
Lens Mount:Sony E Mount
Built-in Flash:Yes
Sensor:Exmor APS HD CMOS, 16.1MP effective approx
Colour Temp Control:Yes
AF Points:25
Focal Length Mag:1.5x
Dust Reduction:Yes
Movie Mode:Yes
Built-in Image Stabilisation:Yes
Exposure Modes:PASM; Auto
Live Mode:Yes
Connectivity:USB 2, HDMI
Weight:269g
Power:Li-ion rechargeable, approx. 480 shots
File Format:JPEG; Raw; Raw + JPEG
Focusing Modes:Contrast detect; Single; Continuous; Live view; Multi
Dimensions:109.9 x 62 x 34.6mm
Drive Mode:4fps
Colour Space:sRGB, AdobeRGB