In the initial review of the Sony NEX-3N we tend to criticised its show, we've got since then been created alert to a menu choice to boost screen brightness and have re-rated this camera consequently
We really like Sony NEX cameras. they are straightforward to use and – due to their vast sensors – deliver the simplest image quality in low-light of any compact system camera (CSC) vary. However, the entry-level models (with a three within the product name) have attended be overshadowed by the additional trendy and feature-packed mid-range models like the excellent Sony NEX-5R.
Sony NEX-3N
DESIGN
The NEX-3N appearance set to alter this precedent. For one factor, the value is unbelievably low, on the market for as very little as £320 – that is over £100 but previous entry-level models at launch. Even higher news is that the comparatively large 18-55mm kit lens has been ditched in favour of the smaller, lighter 16-50mm lens that we tend to 1st saw on the Sony NEX-6. It's sharpy into the corners than the 18-55mm lens, and therefore the smaller style makes the 3N the foremost pocket-friendly NEX thus far. The zoom operate is bimotored, that permits it to collapse down once not in use. At 71mm from the lens cover to the digital display screen, this camera can regarding match into smart garment pockets, and nestles well in coat pockets, purses and manbags.
We prefer to have a lens ring for zooming however people like a compact-style zoom lever. luckily, this camera and lens combination offers each. The lens ring is not an instantaneous mechanical association to the zoom mechanism, however its action responds quickly and convincingly to quick and slow twists. The ring switches to focus duties once manual focus is chosen, with zoom still on the market on the lever.
Sony NEX-3N
Various options are cut out compared to the NEX-5R, that presently sells for around £420, or £430 with the 16-50mm lens. there is not any Wi-Fi, and therefore the digital display screen is not touch-sensitive. Moving the optical device purpose exploitation the navigation pad is way slower than on the 5R's touchscreen. Still, these area unit luxuries that we tend to might live while not. there is not any command dial or Fn button, however like previous models, it's potential to reconfigure the rear controls to achieve fast access to 6 user-defined settings. Pressing the centre button calls up Associate in Nursing on-screen mode dial, adjusted via the rear wheel – we'd like a frenzied dial however this comes a detailed second.
Sony NEX-3N
It additionally lacks the 5R's Mg alloy body. Its plastic shell is not as svelte or as trendy however it still feels robust and sturdy. On the upper side, the flash is integrated, that is way additional sensible than the 5R's attachable unit. like the Panasonic GF6, this pop-up flash are often canted back and up to bounce light-weight off the ceiling, giving a additional subtle, ingratiatory light-weight than direct flash.
DISPLAY
The biggest distinction is that the quality of the digital display screen. At 460,800 dots it is not as elaborate because the 5R's 921,600-dot screen. additional significantly, it suffers badly from reflections once employed in bright conditions. The screen will tilt up by one hundred eighty degrees for waist-level shooting and self-portraits, however even with it facing directly towards North American nation, it had been tough to check outdoors, and just about not possible in direct daylight.
Sony NEX-3N
Thankfully, matters improved once we'd been alerted to a Sunny Weather mode hidden away within the camera's Setup menu. This boosts the screen's brightness, and though the reflections were still there, they not overcome the screen's image. Sunny Weather mode is probably going to be an enormous drain on the battery, however at 480 shots in traditional use, battery life is longer than average to begin with – rival CSCs' batteries last for between 220 and 360 shots. it is a little bit of a problem shift in and out of Sunny Weather mode however you may simply leave it for good on.
IMAGE QUALITY
The 3N has the potential to require beautiful photos. Its JPEGs area unit spirited and elaborate, and there is automatic correction for vignetting and chromatic aberrations. like the opposite 16-megapixel NEX cameras, noise levels area unit imposingly low. There was a small loss of detail to fine textures at ISO 1600 attributable to noise reduction, however noise solely became clearly visible in JPEGs at ISO 6400. Rival CSCs area unit closing the gap however the NEX system still comes high for low-light image quality. we tend to detected an inclination to under-expose high-contrast scenes, however the JPEG process did a good job of boosting the shadows to reveal details.
Sony NEX-3N sample shot
Outdoor scenes area unit exploding with color and detail
Sony NEX-3N sample shot
The new kit lens is healthier than the older, bulkier one for sharpness into the perimeters of frames
Sony NEX-3N sample shot
Low-light image quality continues to be the NEX's strongest suit – there is barely any noise here and still immeasurable detail
It was fast to focus, at but [*fr1] a second between pressing the shutter button and capturing an endeavor. It took 0.8 on the average between shots – not a foul result however the Panasonic GF6 is quicker. it had been higher in continuous mode, capturing eleven frames at 4fps before fastness solely slightly to three.4fps. However, change the optical device between every shot saw this performance plummet to one.2fps.
The video mode is well such as, with 1080p or 1080i shooting at 25fps and full management over exposure settings for people who need it. image was glorious in bright conditions however was strident in low light-weight.
CONCLUSION
The pocket-friendly style, excellent image quality and remarkably low value area unit a tempting combination. we tend to ab initio found that the screen reflections took the enjoyment out of exploitation it outdoors, however once we'd settled the Sunny Weather setting, this stopped being a tangle. we tend to still like the additional feature-packed Panasonic GF6 and NEX-5R (or the just-announced NEX-5T that adds NFC to the 5R for easier connections to alternative devices). However, if your budget will not stretch that so much, the NEX-3N could be a nice alternative.
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