Sony’s NEX-3 Digicam: Small Size, Big Bite
It’s not the size of the dog in the fight:it’s the size of the fight in the clog.”Mark Twain wasn’t referring to Sony’s NEX-3 digicam when he uttered those words, but they sure do apply. Packing D-SLR-like performance in a body roughly half the size and weight, the NEX-3 looms large as the world’s smallest interchangeable lens digicam (as of April 2010).
The Switch Is On
Measuring only 2.5 x 4.625 x 1.375inches (HxWxD), the NEX-3 shoots 14.2MP images and 720p HD video while adapting to various shooting situations by letting you switch among dedicated E-mount lenses and nearly 30 A-mount lenses (using an optional LA-EA1 Mount Adapter). The tilting, nearly 1 MP 3-inch Tru Black LCD, meanwhile, frames shots with 100% what-you-see-is-what-you-get accuracy.
Enter Sony’s “3D World”
With a recently released firmware upgrade, the NE X-3′s shooting prowess now expands to capturing 3D photos viewable on 3D TVs using 3D eyewear (both sold separately). The upgrade also extends the NEX-3′s battery life. Thus, even if 3D remains in your future, getting more shots from the battery doesn’t have to.
Excellence With Ease
Sony combines its BIONZ image processor in the NEX-3 with the same Exmor APS-C HD image sensor it uses in its full-sized D-SLR models(offering 13x the typical image sensor area). The result is super accurate photos processed extremely fast with less noise—even when shooting in low-light settings. As Sony states, you’re getting photographs vs. snap-shots. Additionally, a purpose fully simple Control Wheel + Soft Keys design means less contusion enabling such features as Background DefocusControl, which defocuses back-grounds to make a photo’s primary subject jump out. Further, on-screen help and shooting tip guides offer explanations when needed.
Sharp Specs
- 14.2MP and 720p HD video
- Continuous Auto-Focus and Auto-Exposure while recording video, plus HDMI output.
- iAUTO, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes
- Sweep Panorama and 3D Panorama modes
- Anti Motion Blur and Handheld Twilight modes
- Intelligent Auto Focus
- 7fps continuous shooting
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter Manual Focus Assist
- Dual media card slots (MS PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo/SD/SDHC)
Price $599.99
It’s not the size of the dog in the fight:it’s the size of the fight in the clog.”Mark Twain wasn’t referring to Sony’s NEX-3 digicam when he uttered those words, but they sure do apply. Packing D-SLR-like performance in a body roughly half the size and weight, the NEX-3 looms large as the world’s smallest interchangeable lens digicam (as of April 2010).
The Switch Is On
Measuring only 2.5 x 4.625 x 1.375inches (HxWxD), the NEX-3 shoots 14.2MP images and 720p HD video while adapting to various shooting situations by letting you switch among dedicated E-mount lenses and nearly 30 A-mount lenses (using an optional LA-EA1 Mount Adapter). The tilting, nearly 1 MP 3-inch Tru Black LCD, meanwhile, frames shots with 100% what-you-see-is-what-you-get accuracy.
Enter Sony’s “3D World”
With a recently released firmware upgrade, the NE X-3′s shooting prowess now expands to capturing 3D photos viewable on 3D TVs using 3D eyewear (both sold separately). The upgrade also extends the NEX-3′s battery life. Thus, even if 3D remains in your future, getting more shots from the battery doesn’t have to.
Excellence With Ease
Sony combines its BIONZ image processor in the NEX-3 with the same Exmor APS-C HD image sensor it uses in its full-sized D-SLR models(offering 13x the typical image sensor area). The result is super accurate photos processed extremely fast with less noise—even when shooting in low-light settings. As Sony states, you’re getting photographs vs. snap-shots. Additionally, a purpose fully simple Control Wheel + Soft Keys design means less contusion enabling such features as Background DefocusControl, which defocuses back-grounds to make a photo’s primary subject jump out. Further, on-screen help and shooting tip guides offer explanations when needed.
Sharp Specs
- 14.2MP and 720p HD video
- Continuous Auto-Focus and Auto-Exposure while recording video, plus HDMI output.
- iAUTO, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes
- Sweep Panorama and 3D Panorama modes
- Anti Motion Blur and Handheld Twilight modes
- Intelligent Auto Focus
- 7fps continuous shooting
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter Manual Focus Assist
- Dual media card slots (MS PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo/SD/SDHC)
Price $599.99
