Sony NEX-C3

Sony Alpha NEX-C3

Technology Review | Sony NEX-C3 | Sony Alpha NEX-3 is the 16-megapixel NEX-C3 (18-55mm zoom lens). The new NEX digital camera is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, while managing to improve on its resolution and low-light performance. The NEX-C3 is able to deliver D-SLR quality images in a compact body, one that is even smaller than the Olympus PEN E-P3 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 but packs a larger sensor than any Micro Four Thirds camera. The NEX-C3 follows the tradition of the NEX-3 as our Editors’ Choice for compact interchangeable lens cameras.
Design, Interface, and Shooting Modes
Available in a kit with the aforementioned 18-55mm zoom lens or a 16mm pancake prime lens both versions of the NEX-C3 include a removable pop-up flash. We did most of our testing with the 18-55mm lens NEX-C3 kit, which is available in black, pink, or silver. If you opt for the 16mm lens kit, you’ll have to be satisfied with a black camera body.The 9.8-ounce camera measures just 2.4 by 4.4 by 1.3 inches (HWD) without a lens. The standard 18-55mm kit zoom lens is not that much different in size from the kit lenses you get with a D-SLR, measuring 2.4 by 2.5 inches, and adding about 7 ounces of weight to the camera. The 0.9-by-2.5-inch pancake prime 16mm lens weighs in at a scant 2.4 ounces.
Adding the pop-up flash to the camera adds less than an ounce of weight, giving you a compact light source regardless of your lens choice. It’s slightly less heavy than the 10.5-ounce NEX-3, and much lighter than the 1.2-pound Nikon D5100. The NEX manages its small size because it drops the optical viewfinder and mirror box that are necessary to direct light from the lens to your eye. The slim design offers another advantage that enthusiasts will appreciate—the ability to use lenses for other camera systems via third-party adapters.

Sony NEX-C3 screen

Launching the camera’s menu presents you with six options, identified by bright, colorful icons with text captions. A pop-up window opens if you linger on an option for a few seconds, giving you more detailed information about the functions that can be accessed within. The menu system is easy to navigate, with settings placed exactly where you think they should be. Standard shooting modes are all here—Intelligent Auto, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, and numerous Scene Modes.

Sony NEX-C3 digital camera

Image Quality and Performance
From a speed standpoint, the NEX-C3 can compete with a D-SLR. The camera starts up and is able to take its first shot in about 1.5 seconds, about half a second faster than the NEX-3 and on par with the Editors' Choice Canon EOS Rebel T2i  D-SLR. When set to continuous shooting mode, the camera can capture six images in about two seconds. At 0.1 second in our tests, shutter lag is not an issue with the NEX-C3. When on and set to autofocus mode, the camera is always looking to lock on to focus so that you can obtain a quick shot. For those times when the camera had to hunt for focus, it averaged about 0.5 second between pressing the shutter, locking on focus, and grabbing the shot.

Sony NEX-C3 digital camera

Video Performance
Video is captured at 720p30 video in MP4 format. Focus and exposure are automatically adjusted during recording, and you have the option of manually dialing in exposure compensation at any point during recording. Video quality is quite good, and the MP4 format makes it easy to play on many devices. When coupled with a wider aperture setting, you’ll be able to play a bit with depth of field, allowing you to add a cinematic look to your videos. If you’re looking for more professional-quality video, consider the NEX-5, which supports 1080/60i AVCHD capture with Dolby Digital audio.
The camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards. It features a standard mini USB connector for PC connectivity, and a mini-HDMI output for image and video playback on an HDTV.
The Sony Alpha NEX-C3 is an impressive camera in a compact package. It’s a good choice for anyone who's looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot, but doesn’t want to lug around a bulky D-SLR. Serious enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a light travel body that gives them the same quality they expect from their D-SLR may also want to consider the NEX-C3. The sharp, tiltable LCD makes it a great option for many shooting situations.

Sony NEX-C3