Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver)
- Includes Free:
- Lowepro Rezo TLZ 10 Compact Holster-Style Bag (Black) & Transcend 4GB Class 6 SDHC Card ($24.48 Total Value)
- Includes Free:
- Lowepro Rezo TLZ 10 Compact Holster-Style Bag (Black) & Transcend 4GB Class 6 SDHC Card ($24.48 Total Value)
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Remember the Essentials
A memory card is not included with the camera.
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Sony's α (Alpha) NEX-3 takes mirror-less/finder-less, interchangeable-lens camera technology to the next level by integrating the resolving power of an APS-format imaging sensor in a camera body that's 48% smaller and 49% lighter than traditional compact DSLRs.
While the camera is physically smaller than a compact DSLR, it retains the imaging qualities of an APS imaging sensor, which contains 58% more surface area than a Four Thirds imaging sensor, and about 13 times the surface area of point-and-shoot imaging sensors. The end result is true pro-quality resolving power in a far smaller package. For still imaging, the NEX-3 captures JPEGs (Fine or Standard), RAW, or JPEG+RAW in a choice of sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces. In addition to stills, the NEX-3 also captures extremely vivid 720p video @ 30 fps as well as standard-definition video recording. For more precise audio there is an optional shoe-mounted shotgun mic that features 90°/120° tilt movement.
The NEX-3 is designed to use Sony E-series lenses, a compact line of optics designed to work with the reduced flange distance that resulted from the removal of the reflex viewing system. The new E-series optics are smaller than Sony's traditional DSLR optics while retaining the imaging qualities Sony is recognized for. In addition to Sony E-series optics, you can also use any of Sony's traditional DSLR lenses (as well as all Minolta AF-mount optics) on the NEX-3 by using the optional LA-EA1 lens adapter (Note - Manual focus and full-open aperture metering only when using LA-EA1 lens adapter).
The Live View viewing system of the Sony NEX-3 consists of a hi-fidelity 3", 921,600-dot TFT TruBlack LCD that can be tilted downward 45° and up-wards of 80° for composing still or video images from extreme angles and/or in tighter shooting quarters.
As for performance levels, the NEX-3's Contrast Auto Focus system has quick response times and can capture full-res stills at burst-rates up to 7 frames-per-second. Low-light shooters will appreciate the ability to increase ISO sensitivity up to 12800, not to mention the NEX-3's Anti-Motion Blur and Hand-held Twilight modes, which capture 6 rapid-sequence images of a subject, analyze the exposure and focusing details of each image, and layer the optimum portions of these exposures into a single optimized image.
Another cool feature found on the Sony NEX-3 is Sony's renowned Sweep Panorama mode, which captures up to 60 individual images and stitches them together in-camera to produce panoramic images up to 226° across by simply pressing the shutter and 'sweeping' the camera vertically or horizontally across the area you want to capture.
Other features found on the Sony NEX-3 include manual overrides for focus and exposure controls, Auto HDR capture and a Dynamic Range Optimizer for expanding shadow and highlight details, Advanced Anti-Dust technologies, 8 Scene modes and 6 Creative settings, Background Defocus, for in-camera selective-focus control, a 25-point AF system, HDMI connectivity, and up to 330 exposures per battery charge.
Because Sony NEX-series are designed with hand-held, low-light/high ISO imaging in mind, there is no built-in flash. But for times you want or need to use flash, a low-profile Sony HVL-F7S TTL flash (guide # 7m @ ISO 100) is included with each camera.
Included with this kit is a slim-profile Sony E-series 16mm/2.8 'pancake' lens (24mm equivalent), which contains 5 elements in 5 groups, 1 aspheric surface, and a minimum focus of 0.82' (0.25 m).
- Smallest in Class
- This is the world's smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera (as of April 2010). Removing the conventional mirror box, AF sensor and viewfinder, and reducing the "flange back" distance enables image quality of a DSLR, in a camera that's 48% smaller and 49% lighter than Sony's compact DSLRs.
- APS-C Size HD Image Sensor
- The NEX-3 contains the same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized α DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between "snapshots" and "photographs," delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.
- Interchangeable Lenses
- Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for α compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.
- HD Movie Recording
- Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Shoot 720/30p high definition or standard definition 480/30p.
- 14.2 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.
- Up to 7 Frames-per-Second
- Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 7 fps continuous shooting at full 14.2 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.3 fps.
- ISO 12800 Sensitivity
- Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail. As of April 2010, this is best-in-class performance, made possible by low-noise Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ image processor.
- 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. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 226 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).
- AntiMotion 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.
- Hand-held Twilight Mode
- Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures-beyond the capability of traditional cameras-without using flash or a tripod. 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 of extraordinary detail and low noise.
- Auto HDR Built Into Camera
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes (Recommended for still subjects).
- Live View LCD
- The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.
- Tiltable 3" LCD Screen
- Empowers your photography with a different point of view. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.
- 920K Pixel TruBlack LCD Screen
- Sony's Xtra Fine LCD monitor has best-in-class resolution (as of April 2010). 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.
- Fast Auto Focus
- Some cameras in this class are slow to focus. That can make you miss the shot on fast-moving subjects like sports and unpredictable subjects like pets and babies. Sony's fast Contrast Auto Focus system typically takes just 0.3 seconds. Also offers continuous Auto Focus when shooting movies.
- Intelligent Auto Focus
- Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.
- 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.
- 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.
- Control Wheel + Soft Keys
- Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-3 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and context-sensitive Soft Keys. It's elegant, uncluttered and intuitive.
- BIONZ Image Processor
- The brain of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 7 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 14.2 megapixel images. Sweep Panorama and 6 image layering.
- Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)
- Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.
- Accepts α DSLR A-mount Lenses
- Using the LA-EA1 adapter (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of α A-mount system lenses, which includes 28 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply.
- 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.
- Multi-segment Measuring
- Optimizes exposure based on 49 segments. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.
- 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.
- RAW Image Capture
- The NEX-3 saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.
- "Background Defocus" Control
- Cameras with APS-C sensors take beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That helps make your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography. But you've had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the Control Wheel one way for backgrounds in focus, the other for background defocus.
- 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.
- Powerful Supplied Software
- To help you refine and manage your images, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).
- 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.
- HDMI Output for HD Viewing
- Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI output. In addition, the BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television's remote.
- Eight Scene Selection Modes
- These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Night Shot modes.
- Six Creative Style Settings
- Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.
- P/A/S/M Operating Modes
- The NEX-3 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.
- Anti-Dust Technology
- Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.
- Up to 300 Shots of Battery Life
- Take up to 300 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.
- Supplied Detachable Flash
- To help you shoot more effectively in formal portraits, the supplied flash has a Guide Number of 7.
- Dual Media Slots
- For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)
- PhotoTV HD Compatibility
- Optimizes compatible BRAVIA televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures.
- 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.
Go To
| Camera Type | Compact E-mount interchangeable lens digital camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 14.2MP, Recorded: 14.6MP |
| Sensor | Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (23.4 X 15.6mm) |
| Bit Depth | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| File Formats |
Stills: JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG Video: MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)) |
| File Size |
3:2 L (14M): 4592 x 3056 M (7.4M): 3344 x 2224 S (3.5M): 2288 x 1520 16:9 |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Image Stabilization | Anti-Motion Blur Function in camera, Some lenses have Optical SteadyShot |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
E-mount 16mm f/2.8 (35mm film equivalent: 24mm) 5 groups, 5 elements (1 aspheric surface) |
| Zoom | Manual |
| Lens Mount | E-mount |
| Focus Type | Contrast 25 point autofocus and Manual Focus |
| Focus Range | 9.4" (0.24m) - infinity |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | 49mm |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Auto, 200 to 12800 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 - 30 seconds, bulb |
| Metering | Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | iAUTO, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M), +/-2EV (in 1/3 EV steps) |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | N/A |
| Burst Capability |
Continuous (2.3fps) Speed Priority (7fps) |
| Self Timer | 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay, (single, continuous 3 or 5 frames) |
| Interval Recording | N/A |
| Remote Control | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | No, External HVL-F7S flash supplied |
| Effective Flash Range | Guide Number: 7 (in meters at ISO 100) |
| External Flash Connection | Smart accessory terminal |
| Dedicated Flash System | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/160 |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type |
Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Pro-HG Duo, PRO-HG HX Duo SD, SDHC and SDXC |
| Still Images per GB | RAW: 68 |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264)) |
| Video Resolution |
MP4 HD: 1280 x 720 @ 30fps (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 9Mbps/ 6Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 VGA: 640 x 480 @ 30fps (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate) |
| Video Clip Length | Depends on memory card size |
| Audio Recording | MPEG-4 AAC-LC format, Optional Compact Stereo Microphone |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Optional optical viewfinder FDA-SV1 |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display | Tiltable 3" 921,600-dot TFT TruBlack LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI (Type C) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP (SP2), Vista Mac OS X (10.1.3 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | 32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C) |
| Weatherproofing | None |
| Durability | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | InfoLITHIUM NP-FW50 battery, 7.2V |
| Power Adapter | AC adapter for NEX cameras |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.61 x 2.46 x 1.31" (117.2 x 62.6 x 33.4mm) |
| Weight | 8.4 oz (239g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (3)
- Low light (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Quiet
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
I've grown up around photographers with everything from point and shoots to best in class digital SLR's. When I finally wanted to take the step up outside of my comfort zone of a P&S, I was drawn to this camera and have yet to be disappointed. It's fantastically easy to use, yet my shots are rivaling digital SLRs.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
Pros: IQ that is comparable to my Canon T2i. Speed priority mode is truly 7 fps. Great articulating screen and HD video. Focuses well, speedy and is easy to use.
Cons: Flash attachment feels like a toy. Scarce selection of lenses.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Large choice of lenses
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- Noisy At High ISO
- No Viewfinder
- Poor Image Quality
- Very slow AF with adapter
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
Ok, so this is a great camera to say the least, but there are some exceptions. But I'll start with the good. First, the form factor, its small light weight and can pretty much fit in a jacket pocket with the 16mm lens on. The image quality is good but the lens it's self leaves a bit to be desired in the way of image sharpness. The bad parts are, you want to buy some other lenses so you buy the $200 adapter, and then you buy the regular alpha lens you want and its really slow to autofocus so it means no for sports unless you are really good at manual focusing. That being said, the adapter is a must buy if you are really looking to expand your lens collection. All in all, it is a good camera, and if size is a real issue for you then you should totally get this. However, if you imaging yourself in the future wanting more performance out of your camera with a larger selection of lenses, then go with an alpha DSLR and you won't be sorry like I sortof am.
- Ease of Operation:
- 5
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Tilting Screen
Cons
Best Uses
- So far everything
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
So far i have already taken several hundred pictures indoors and outside in bright sun and darker cloud cover. I like all of the shooting modes and the quality of the HD video. I am pleased with my purchase, i use a nikon D80 at work and considered buying the same for personal use but am glad i bought the NEX-3
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
I own a NIkon DSLR as well, but after buying the Sony is hard to justify the DSLR. Yes, picture quality is a bit better, but what does it really mean in practice. I get great, noise free, punchy photos out of my new sony, while I carry it on my wrist, without all the hassle of the dslr. And btw has a better screen as well. Very curious to see where DSLRs will be in a few years from now.
Pros
- Convenient
- Easy to use
- Great for travel
- Manual or automatic
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel and at home
Comments about Sony Alpha NEX-3 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera w/16mm Lens (Silver):
This is a totally "new generation" of camera (14.2 megapix) - one that has a very small body but also has a large sensor and interchangeable lenses. It'll do 7fps, HD movies and panorama shots. Great for travel and at-home snap shots.
Displaying reviews 1-6
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $17.50
Lenses
Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.
- Price: $249.99
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $52.95
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
Not compatible with NEX-C3, NEX-5N, NEX-7 & SLT-A35
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $20.85
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $149.99
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $26.94
Screen Protectors
Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.
- Price: $11.90
Care & Cleaning
Ensure trouble-free performance through proper camera maintenance.
- Price: $73.95
- Add to cart for lower price
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- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- E-Series 16 mm /f2.8 'Pancake' Lens
- HVL-F7S TTL Flash
- NP-FW50 InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery
- BC-VW1 Battery Charger
- Mini B USB Cable
- Software CD
- Shoulder Strap
- Front Lens Cap
- 1-Year Warranty
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