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Sony NEX-C3 | compact system camera

  • Launched: June 2011 Type: Compact system camera Sensor: APS-C 23.5 x 15.6mm CMOS Resolution: 16.2MP Kit lens: 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Movies: Standard HD 
Summary: The NEX-C3 is Sony’s cheapest and simplest compact system camera. It has an SLR-size APS-C sensor in a very compact body. It’s designed to be easy for photo novices to understand, and to act as a bridge between the simplicity of a compact camera and the picture quality of an SLR. It has novice-friendly auto modes but also full manual modes for enthusiasts. It comes with an 18-55mm kit lens, a 16mm pancake lens or a twin-lens kit which has both.

Key features
• The APS-C format 16.2 megapixel sensor is the same as you might find in a modern digital SLR, yet the NEX-C3 body is a fraction of the size.

• Sony NEX cameras take new E-mount lenses, though it’s also possible to attach Sony SLR A-mount lenses using an adaptor.

• Advanced ‘multi-frame imaging’ technology allows a number of specialised modes, including Sony’s pioneering Sweep Panorama and 3D Sweep Panorama (you need a 3D Bravia TV to view these).

• Auto HDR mode combines three separate exposures taken in quick succession into a single high dynamic range image.

• Handheld Twilight and Anti-Motion Blur modes combine six shots taken in quick succession to produce smooth, low noise images at high ISO settings and sharp images in low-light conditions.

• The 5.5fps continuous shooting speed is very good, though other models in the NEX range are faster and other makers are now matching or exceeding these speeds.

• The ‘Photo Creativity’ interface replaces technical terms with easy-to-understand alternatives, such as ‘background defocus’, ‘brightness’, and ‘colour’.

• In-camera ‘Picture Effects’ for both stills and movies, such as Partial Color, Retro and Toy Camera.

• The high-resolution rear LCD tilts vertically to make it easier to compose shots with the camera at waist level or slightly overhead.

Full specifications
  • Sensor: 23.5 x 15.6mm APS-C format CMOS
  • Megapixels: 16.1
  • Kit lens: 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6
  • Image stabilisation: Lens shift
  • Autofocus: 25-point hybrid contrast-detection AF, manual focus
  • Closest focus: 0.25m (18-55mm kit lens)
  • Metering: Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
  • ISO: 200-12800
  • Shutter speeds: 30-1/4000sec
  • LCD: 3-inch, 921K dots
  • Viewfinder: No
  • Flash: External (supplied), Guide No 7 at ISO 100
  • Modes: Program AE, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, Scene modes
  • Continuous shooting: 5.5fps for 14-18 JPEGs, 6 RAW files
  • Movies: Standard HD 1280 x 720
  • File types: JPEG, RAW, MP4
  • Memory: Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Battery life: 400 shots (CIPA)
  • Dimensions: 109.6 x 60 x 33mm, 225g (body only)

Links
Sony UK press release
Sony UK product page