Mirrorless or system cameras are no longer new to the world of digital photography. Buyers have had time to appreciate all the advantages of this type of cameras, which provide photo quality, as in SLR cameras, but with smaller dimensions. Therefore, the demand for system cameras in the market has been steadily growing in recent years. The well-known Japanese manufacturer Sony was one of the first to produce system cameras. They are labeled as Sony NEX. Models of the upper price segment (for example, Sony NEX-7, Sony NEX-6) and lower (Sony NEX-5R, NEX-3) have already gained great popularity. In February 2013, the Sony company pleased with another novelty in the segment of mirrorless cameras. This is a Sony NEX-3N device belonging to the budget segment of the NEX series.
Like some other cameras in the NEX line, the Sony NEX-3N is equipped with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C type CMOS sensor (like on a DSLR), with a wide sensitivity range (up to ISO 16,000), an E-mount (for attaching interchangeable lenses), a proprietary BIONZ processor (responsible for image processing), a fast contrast autofocus system (uses 25 points), a pop-up built-in flash, a large three-inch rotary display, and a pair of stereo microphones. Naturally, there are HDMI and microUSB interfaces, a slot for memory cards. The device is capable of shooting photos in RAW and JPEG file formats, and movies in MP4 and AVCHD (in maximum Full HD resolution). There is neither an electronic viewfinder, nor a hot shoe for connecting an external flash, as on the expensive models of the NEX line. Also, there is no possibility of wireless connections (such as Wi-Fi).
In the countries of the European Union, the device has been on sale since March 2013. In Ukraine, it hit store shelves a little later. The Sony NEX 3N camera (unlike the older NEX devices, which uses only one type of body color) is available in two colors. But even here the Japanese acted rather conservatively. While cameras are available in black and white body colors. It is reported that a little later a variant of the device will appear in some third color scheme (for example, red or blue).
If a few years ago a mirrorless camera was really a novelty in the digital photography market, today the competition in this segment is already quite tough. The buyer has a choice, because almost all major players on the market are represented by several models (Pentax - Q, Nikon - Nikon 1, Canon - EOS M). You can also look at such cameras from other manufacturers as Nikon 1 J2, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1K, Olympus E-PL3.
Acquaintance
The design of the Sony NEX-3N is broadly reminiscent of some other cameras in the NEX series, but it cannot be called unique. But still, the appearance and location of the main controls have some differences from the previous devices. Here it would be more correct to say that the NEX-3N camera became the successor to the NEX-F3. At the same time, the dimensions of the NEX-3N have become much smaller. This is probably one of the smallest mirrorless cameras out there. Judge for yourself, the width of the device is almost 117 millimeters, and the thickness (without the lens) is 41 millimeters. This is taking into account all the protrusions. The weight of the camera with the battery and memory card (but without the lens) is 210 grams. These are dimensions comparable to some compact ultrazoom. It is clear that with a lens, the dimensions of the camera are no longer so compact, and the weight increases significantly (especially when using telephoto lenses). But even so, the dimensions are definitely more compact than those of DSLRs with an APS-C matrix. You will definitely not be able to carry the device with a lens in your pocket; you will have to use either the supplied shoulder strap or buy a bag. The Sony NEX-3N case is very durable (using hard plastic, metal alloy, rubber). All elements are tightly fitted, there can be no complaints about the build quality.The surface of the case is matte, it is resistant to all kinds of mechanical damage (within reason, of course). Dirt and fingerprints either practically do not linger on the case, or can be easily removed. The ergonomics of the device, despite all the diminutiveness, are very good. The large rubber lug on the right side of the case contributes to the fixation. You can also support the lens with your left hand.
The matrix used on the NEX-3N camera has an APS-C format (23.5x15.6 mm). The same is used on many DSLR cameras. This format is larger than 1 / 2.33 "(like on digital cameras), CX 1" (like on Nikon 1 cameras) or Micro 4/3 "(on Olympus or Panasonic cameras). Of course, the physical size of the matrix directly affects the quality of the resulting image (photo and video) That is, the NEX-3N uses the maximum size matrix (except for Full Frame) .It is a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor (full resolution 16.5 megapixels) with sensitivity up to ISO 16,000. the processor processes the data from the sensor, it significantly reduces noise and provides a fairly high speed of taking photos, as well as shooting videos in Full HD.
Important characteristics of a system camera are the type of bayonet mount, the type of kit lens, and the range of interchangeable lenses that the manufacturer can offer to customers. The Alpha NEX mirrorless cameras and NXCAM camcorders use the exclusive E bayonet mount (18mm flange focal length and 10-pin digital interface). Since 2010, new optics have been created and produced for the new bayonet. Today the park of lenses with this mount is already quite wide. There are wide-angle lenses (e.g. 10-18 mm f / 4 OSS, 16 mm f / 2.8 or Carl Zeiss Sonnar T * E 24 mm f / 1.8), telezoom lenses (18-200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 OSS and 18 -200 mm f / 3.5-6.3 OSS LE, as well as 55-210 mm f / 4.5-6.3 OSS), an excellent portrait lens (50 mm f / 1.8 OSS). Either 18-55 mm f / 3.5-5.6 or PZ 16-50 mm 3.5-5.6 OSS are supplied as kit lenses. The company plans to increase the total number of E-mount lenses to 15 units. It is very good that this mount is open, other manufacturers (for example, Sigma and Tamron) make lenses for NEX cameras. In addition, you can use lenses with Sony A mount, as well as other manufacturers (Canon EF, Contax, Micro 4: 3, Nikon, Pentax, Soviet M42, M39, and even screw type C and T). Of course, here you will need to additionally buy an adapter adapter.
Sony branded lenses are made of metal, durable plastic, rubber. They are perfectly assembled and have very high quality optical elements. In addition, kit lenses are made in the same color as the camera itself (white camera - white lens, black - black, etc.). The NEX-3N comes with a new kit lens Sony E PZ 16-50 / 3.5-5.6 OSS. It is more compact than its predecessor 18-55 mm 3.5-5.6 OSS. The novelty is equipped with an innovative electromechanical zoom mechanism, which Sony engineers called Power Zoom. For zooming, you can use both the ring and the slider on the lens barrel.
On the front panel of the camera, in addition to the bayonet ring, there is a lens lock button and an autofocus illumination (also functions as a self-timer indicator and an indicator for the Smile Shutter option).
The top panel of the device is equipped with a pair of stereo microphones, a built-in flash lift system, a play button, a focal plane mark, and a shutter button that is combined with a zoom lever and a two-position power switch. There is no traditional "hot shoe" for attaching an external flash and some other Sony accessories, as on expensive NEX series devices. And all for the reason that there was simply not enough free space for him. To activate the built-in flash, you need to press a special key on the back of the device. The flash rises from the top panel to a height of about 2 centimeters. This system additionally contributes to the reduction of the "red-eye" effect in images (since the angle between the flash and the optical axis of the lens is increased). The flash range is about 6 meters. This is quite enough. It has several modes of operation (including auto, wireless, slow sync, rear curtain sync, etc.).The location of the microphones on the top panel allows the camera to do a good job of recording operator comments, but there may be minor problems with recording some ambient sounds. There is also no standard jack for connecting an additional external microphone.
The right side panel of the camera is equipped with only a metal shoulder strap bracket and a mounting bolt. On the left panel, in addition to the mounting bolts and the second eyelet for fastening the belt, we see the access indicator, a compartment with HDMI, USB / A / V ports and a slot for memory cards. The compartment is quite large, it is completely closed by a one-piece lid, which reliably protects it from moisture, dust and all kinds of particles. The camera supports multiple memory card formats (Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo, SD, SDHC, and SDXC up to 64 GB and Eye-Fi cards with wireless transmission. Sony from other manufacturers The 4 GB memory card can hold about 590 JPEG images (maximum quality and resolution), 220 RAW or 20 minutes high definition video (Full HD resolution, AVCHD format).
The back of the camera is represented by the following elements:
As you can see, there is no electronic viewfinder here, as well as the ability to connect an external viewfinder. In general, the device is not overloaded with buttons and controls. Everything you need is here. All buttons are comfortable and pleasant to press.
The underside of the NEX-3N is equipped with a speaker, a sturdy metal mount (used to mount the camera on a tripod), a couple of information stickers (they have a QR code, serial number, manufacturer data, etc.), as well as a cover that hides a compartment for the battery. The cover also reveals a small port for connecting the DC adapter. In general, the manufacturer acted somewhat unconventionally, placing the memory card and the battery in different compartments. Usually they were always in one. The lithium-ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery here has a capacity of 1080 mAh (with a voltage at the terminals of 7.2 V). Charging is carried out in a separate power adapter from a standard electrical network (voltage from 100 to 240 V) or from a computer via the USB port. Charging takes about 3 hours from a network or 3.5-4 hours from a computer. A fully charged battery can take 350-400 shots. And even more so. Although, if you use the flash very actively, slow shutter speeds, these numbers may decrease.
_ ** Included with the camera ** _ the manufacturer supplies: a rechargeable battery, a Sony E PZ 16-50 / 3.5-5.6 OSS lens (it may be different, depending on the delivery option), a front lens cap, a rear lens cap, a charger , power cord, branded shoulder strap, USB cable, CD with software and detailed electronic manual, paper user manual and, of course, warranty card. A light-shielding hood may also be included (in case a telephoto lens is supplied). We recommend buying a memory card right away. You will not find HDMI or USB / A / V cords in the package, therefore, if necessary, also buy these accessories.All kinds of camera bags are available for sale, E-mount lenses (we talked about them just above), adapters for attaching other lenses, and some other accessories. Both the camera and lens from this review were made in Thailand.
The camera interface hasn't changed much visually. The menu provides access to the traditional sections: "Camera", "Image size", "Brightness" / Color "," Playback "," Shooting mode "," Settings ".
Going to the "Shooting mode" section, you can select one of the modes for taking photos:
The "Camera" menu allows you to switch the main camera functions (for example, shutter, flash, focus, face detection, smile shutter), activate some effects, etc.
The "Image size" section of the menu allows you to adjust the parameters of a photo (quality, resolution, aspect ratio, format (RAW or JPEG)), a panoramic image (resolution, shooting direction), as well as a movie (format, resolution, etc.).
In the "Brightness / Color" menu, you can adjust the color settings of your photos. For example, optimize dynamic range, adjust exposure, set white balance, ISO sensitivity, adjust one of the offered creative effects and picture styles.
The "Playback" menu offers to get acquainted with the finished pictures and videos in the form of slides, reduced thumbnails of various scales (6 and 12 pieces on the screen). Each picture can be enlarged and reduced, edited (rotated, cropped), sent to print. An interesting feature of Sony cameras is that all photo and video files are grouped into menus according to their format. On the one hand, this is a bit inconvenient, because you have to switch display options, but on the other hand, there is no clutter of files of different types. Each file can be deleted or protected from accidental deletion.
The manufacturer has placed all other settings in the last section "Parameters", therefore this menu is very extensive here. In addition to the standard settings for date, time, time zone, language, interface color scheme, power saving, display brightness and color, USB and HDMI connections, return to factory settings, you can set some parameters related to the shooting process (for example, backlight autofocus, grid display, auto review of photos, removal of the "red-eye" effect, self-timer, image stabilization, noise reduction, etc.).The settings for a conventional memory card (formatting, file numbering, folder creation) and settings for Eye-Fi cards are immediately changed.
We liked the menu overall. Everything is in the style of Sony cameras. There is a clear hierarchy and clear structuring of menu levels. Among the functions that can be especially useful to the user, we can highlight the following:
Shooting
To turn on the camera, you need to flip the switch on the top panel to the "ON" position. Also, the device is turned on using a separate button on the lens. Turning on takes about 1.5-2 seconds. The focusing speed is quite normal here. If, for example, the NEX-F3 did not always focus accurately, then the NEX-3N solved this problem. The focusing system installed inside the camera allows you to accurately focus anywhere in 0.2-0.3 seconds. Manual focusing can of course take longer. In normal shooting mode, the speed reaches 1 frame per second without flash and 0.7-0.9 frames per second with flash. In continuous shooting mode, the camera's rate of fire will be 4 frames per second in JPEG and RAW formats. In our opinion, for a lover of such indicators, the speed of focusing and shooting will be sufficient. If you are interested in high performance, you need to take a closer look at the older devices of the NEX line.
For the JPEG format, the manufacturer has provided 2 levels of compression: "Standard" and "Fine". The camera also shoots in RAW format. A combined option of shooting in RAW + JPEG is also possible. Photos have 2 types of format: 3: 2 (with resolutions 4912x3264, 3568X2368 and 2448x1624 pixels) and 16: 9 (with resolutions 4912x2760, 3568X2000 and 2448x1376 pixels). We recommend printing photos with a larger side of 4912 pixels on A2 or smaller paper, with a larger side of 3568 pixels on A3 or less, with a larger side of 2448 pixels on A4 or smaller.
Camera operation leaves only a pleasant impression. The ergonomics are quite comfortable. Plus, the dimensions and weight are less than that of the same NEX-F3 camera. The controls are also comfortable, it is difficult to get confused, tk. there are few buttons. More experienced photographers may lack the programmable keys (such as "Fn") and dials when shooting. The photo quality of the NEX-3N camera is not satisfactory.The colors are quite juicy, but moderately saturated, the clarity and sharpness of the picture are normal even when shooting with the whale lens. There is a little distortion in the photo, chromatic aberrations are barely noticeable in places of contrasting transitions. But if you use more expensive lenses from Sony, there will be no complaints at all about the quality. The fact that there is no port for external accessories is unlikely to be a disadvantage for an amateur. But the Wi-Fi module, perhaps, should be provided.
Noise and night photography
The range of sensitivity of the camera sensor is not standard here. It varies from 200 to 16,000 ISO units (as a rule, on similar cameras ISO 80 (100) -12,800). Sensitivity settings are adjustable both automatically and manually (ISO 200/400/800/1600/3200/6400/12800/16000). It must be said that throughout the entire sensitivity range, the colors are quite saturated and practically do not fade. In the ISO 200-800 range, the photo quality is excellent, no noise is observed here. In the ISO 1600-6400 range, some picture distortion and signs of noise may be noticeable. The quality is worse at ISO 12,800-16,000, but even so the image impression is quite passable.
If you like to shoot in the evening and at night without a flash, then the Sony NEX-3N is a good option. The device, thanks to a wide range of sensitivity and the ability to shoot in manual modes at long exposure up to 30 seconds (there is also a Bulb mode), will allow you to get pictures of good quality.
Shooting video
The camera shoots videos in MP4 and AVCHD formats. The MP4 format is convenient for uploading to the Internet, because has a small file size. The AVCHD format is suitable for viewing in large panels because has high quality and clarity. For AVCHD format, the following settings are used:
For the MP4 format, the following settings are used:
A distinctive feature of the camera is video recording with stereo sound. Autofocus and optical zoom are also available. There is a function to suppress wind noise. Shooting results can be viewed by connecting the unit to a large diagonal panel via USB / A / V or HDMI ports.
Final verdict
The reasons for buying:
Reasons not in favor of buying:
The Sony NEX-3N leaves the impression of a very well thought out device. Without a doubt, thanks to its many advanced features, this is one of the best mirrorless cameras aimed at the aspiring photographer. More advanced users will be interested in older devices of the NEX line.