B&H has the Sony NEX-F3 with the 18-55mm kit lens for only $399 [update 5/23/13] $379 (reg. $499). Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Sony NEX-3N Leaked
The first image of the upcoming Sony NEX-3N has leaked out. The NEX-3N will serve as the successor the very solid NEX-F3. What’s apparent from the image is the growing reliance on power zoom lens as evidenced by the zoom rocker switch that surrounds the shutter release.
While the leaked image shows the NEX-3N equipped with the 16mm f/2.8 common kit lens, current power zoom lenses from Sony include the 16-50mm PZ and the 18-200mm PZ. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more affordable PZ kit lens introduced with the NEX-3N. [Read more…]
Sony NEX-3N and Sony Alpha A38 & A58 Coming Soon…?
The next round of cameras coming from Sony are rumored to be entry-level models. Specifically, the mirrorless Sony NEX-3N is rumored to fill in the place of the current (and excellent) Sony NEX-F3.
Additionally, a pair of SLT Alpha models – the A38 and A58 – should replace the current A37 and A57. Both of the current models feature a 16.1MP APS-C sensor. [Read more…]
Sony NEX-F3 In-Stock
The Sony NEX-F3 is in stock at B&H. The NEX-F3 looks to be everything that the NEX-C3 is – and more.
As a result, I’m pegging the NEX-F3 as the g0-t0 consumer camera for those who want better quality than they get out of a point and shoot camera. I own the NEX-C3 and it has been a fantastic camera – particularly when combined with the great little Sigma 30mm f/2.8 lens that stays on it.
Sony NEX-F3 Unveiled
The Sony NEX-F3 is a follow-up to the popular NEX-C3. While the resolution is the same as the NEX-C3 (via an APS-C 16.1MP CMOS sensor), the NEX-F3 steps up in a couple of departments. The NEX-F3 offers full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture in 60i or 24p flavors via AVCHD codec.
Additionally, the NEX-F3 features a 180-degree tiltable LCD screen, which allows you to live view from the front of the camera. The F3 also sports a built-in pop-up flash (something that was missed on the NEX-C3), making it all the more compact to carry.
The existing FDA-EV1S OLED viewfinder is compatible with the NEX-F3 for those preferring a more traditional camera view rather than the live view display. The Sony NEX-F3 will be available in June for $600 with an 18-55mm kit lens. Check availability at B&H Photo.
Alongside the NEX-F3, Sony introduced a revised 18-200mm E-mount lens (for NEX models). The new 18-200mm lens is smaller and lighter than the old version. It also comes in black rather than the original silver color. The new lens retails for $850 and should be available in July 2012. Check availability at B&H Photo.
More images and details below. [Read more…]
Sony NEX-F3 and A37 Specs Leaked
It looks like the full specs for the Sony NEX-F3 and A37 entry-level cameras are now out in the wild with a release date of May 17, courtesy of SonyAlphaRumors. Leaked images vis Yangcanggih. Check out the spec lists below.
Sony NEX-F3 Specs
- 16.1MP CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-16,000
- 1080/24p or 1080/60i
- MP4 codec
- 180-degree tilting LCD
- Built-in flash
- 3fps
- No touchscreen
- $599 price point w/ 18-55mm kit lens
One thing that doesn’t jive with the specs and the leaked images is the MP4 codec listed in the NEX-F3 specs. The images clearly showed the AVCHD logo on the camera body. Likewise, a 1080/24p and 1080/60i frame rate suggests an AVCHD 1.0 codec. If anything, I think the MP4 codec would be for a 720p option (like the NEX-C3) – although, the NEX-F3 appears to offer full 1080p HD video capture in addition to a possible 720p MP4 mode…
With the recent NEX models sporting the AVCHD 2.0 codec, it looks like Sony will differentiate the video capabilities on entry-level models by sticking with a max 30fps frame rate at full 1920 x 1080 resolution via the AVCHD 1.0 codec. This should make the NEX-F3 a perfect consumer camera with great 1080p video. And, if you want to get your overcranked footage on for smooth slo-mo, you’ll need to step up to the NEX-5N or higher.
Sony A37 Specs
- 16.1MP CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-16,000
- Built-in SteadyShot image stabilization
- 7fps frame frate
- 15-point AF system
- Tilting LCD
- 1080/24p and 1080/60i video
- $599 price point w/ 18-55mm kit lens
- $799 price point w/ 18-135mm kit lens
The A37 looks to be very competent as well for an entry-level shooter. Frankly though, unless you have to have the phase-detection AF system of the SLT models, I would suggest most people to choose the NEX-F3 as an entry-level go-to camera over the A37.
I’ll have more concrete thoughts on these models once they are officially announced and I get my hands on them.
Stay tuned.
Sony NEX-F3 Pic Leaked, Due for Launch in May
Sony Alpha Rumors just published the above image of the upcoming Sony NEX-F3, which is due to replace the excellent Sony NEX-C3.
The new Sony NEX-F3 will sport a 16.1MP image sensor and is rumored to include a 180-degree tilting LCD, along with a built-in flash. The presence of the AVCHD logo on the above image also suggest 1080p capture (hopefully, it will be AVCHD 2.0 for 60p like the NEX-5N).
The naming scheme is curious given the Sony PMW-F3, which is a PL mount cinema camera and commonly referred to as simply the “F3”. Likewise, the potential spec-sheet further suggests that the NEX-F3 may outshine the (also excellent) NEX-5N, in which case we can probably expect a summer 2012 replacement for it as well.
For now, the Sony NEX-F3 is rumored to launch in May 2012, alongside the Sony A37, an entry-level DSLR-ish camera with Sony’s translucent mirror technology.
You can expect to hear a lot more about this camera in the coming weeks. So, stay tuned.