Sony NEX 3N Detailed Review

In additional NEX 3N was introduced by Sony in February 2013. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Also NEX 3N has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of NEX 3N’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

Note: APS-C sensors made by Sony are slightly larger than those from other manufacturers.

The NEX 3N’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The NEX 3N does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

The NEX 3N does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The NEX 3N’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The NEX 3N’s sensitivity goes from 200 ISO und 16000 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The NEX 3N supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The NEX 3N’s auto focus processor uses 25 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The NEX 3N features a built-in flash with a range of up to 6m (20 ft.). That range will work for most situations.

A hotshoe is missing from the Sony.

The NEX 3N features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.46 megapixel. That rather low resolution is no longer state of the art and will make it difficult to evaluate images on the display.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The NEX 3N does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

NEX 3N video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Sony NEX 3N Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sony. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sony NEX 3N has a NP-FW50 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 400 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The NEX 3N’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony NEX 3N’s dimensions are 109.6 x 62.0 x 35.7mm³. (4.3″ x 2.4″ x 1.4″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is only 210 grams (6.8 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the NEX 3N:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The NEX 3N is not much bigger: