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Sony Alpha NEX-F3 Review



Sony's latest Alpha NEX-F3, replacing the C3 at the low end of the NEX lineup, has brought the entry interchangeable-lens cameras something fun, different and attractive. As the successor of NEX-C3's successor, it is no doubt that NEX-F3 is excellent image quality, generally consistent performance, and solid design. Now, let's take a deep look into the NEX-F3 and see what the new NEX memeber surprises us with!


Firstly, let's have a product tour of Sony NEX-F3.


Front
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Back
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Th soft keys have different roles, depending on the context. To use the function shown at the upper right corner of the screen, press A. To use the function shown at the lower right corner, press B. To use the function shown at the center, press C.


Top
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Buttom
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What is special?


Detailed photos in accurate color:
Image quality is one of the most important point of a camera. It depends on the many different parts and processes, among of which the Sensor, the Processor and Lens matter the most. For the pursuit of incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements, Sony NES-F3 is equiped with a updated 16.1Mp APS-C CMOS sensor, the same as its DSLR's, BIONZ image processor and 18-55mm Zoom Lens. Thanks to these amazing parts, working together with the Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology, you can get the high resolution image, even in low light sensitivity and sensor noise. That's to say, you can get the picture as it really looks like in real life.


HD Video Recording:
Compared to the 720p capability of its predecessor, NEX-C3, Sony NEX-F3 really takes a huge step forward. It is able to record super smooth 1080 Full HD Video in either 60i or 24p frames per second. You can select 1080/60i or 24p AVCHD as your shoot format. Besides, the PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format is also available for you.


Easiest-to-understand mannual control:
Like many camera users, I's sometimes confused with the technical words, like depth of field, white balance, ISO, etc. Sony finds a smart way to make users know more about these technical terms. On these camera, you will be given a lot of manual controls, but Sony makes them Auto. You can easily set the color temperature without knowing it's called white balance, decide how warm or cold your photos are without knowing it is white balance, change how soft or sharp you want the background to be without knowing it's the depth of field. It is the easiest way to understand the technical terms, isn't it? I have to say, before you get your favorite DSLR, the Sony NEX-F3 is really a great way to understand these confusing words.


180° tiltable and accurate LCD screen
Where will you spend the most time to stare at on the NEX-F3? Sony undoubtly get the right answer --- the 3-inch LCD on the back. To make it more convenient for the users, Sony has the LCD designed with a super-sharp 921,000 dots. Viewing it, you can shoot what you see, without need to hide on the back of its optical viewfinders and worrying about the different colors or different exposure. The 180-degree tilt make it easier and more perfect to get the right shot ad tale a self-portrait.


Other Highlights
ISO 200 - 16000 sensitivity
Built-in flash
Convenient USB charging
Manual Focus Assist
Accepts α DSLR A-mount lenses9
Photo Creativity interface Picture Effect mode
3D Sweep Panorama? Mode3
Excellent Battery Life


Reasons why you may not get it
Compared to Sony NEX-5n, the NEX-F3 has no touch screen, thus you have to take some time to get familiar with these buttons. Since it shoots at 2.5 fps, so you can't expect to capture super-fast action. Besides, it is heavier than NEX-C3, thus you may find it difficult to grip.


Sony Alpha NEX-F3 takes the important fundctions of the NEX-C3, NEX-5N, and NEX-7, and turns it into a great camera for anyone stepping up from a point-and-shoot but not wanting a DSLR yet. Although it is a little slower, the NEX-F3 shoots gorgeous and vivid photos and videos. In addition, its $599.99 price is really difficult to beat, comsidering what it has in the little body.