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Sony wasn’t about to be intimidated by Canon and Nikon, which have it “surrounded” as the #2 camera manufacturer in the world (Canon, first; Nikon, third). Sony didn’t hesitate to introduce a series of interchangeable lens camera systems that feature DSLR-level features, including the NEX-C3. What seems so unbelievable is that this Sony model is the smallest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C size sensor (as of June 2011); it’s almost half the size and weight of standard DSLRs with similar capabilities. Read real customer reviews of the Sony NEX-C3 here.
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Designing and manufacturing a high quality camera with the features of the NEX-C3 wasn’t possible until the digital photography age. Neither was there a group of photographers who were ready for such unbelievable technological advances. There is now, however, because the NEX-C3 makes believers of the beginners who want to experience DSLR photography and enjoy the results without paying mega-bucks for the privilege.
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The Sony NEX-C3’s 16.2-megapixel APS-C size HD sensor equals or exceeds the size of most entry-level DSLRs as well as some of the mid-range models. Sony uses this same sensor format in its standard-size DSLRs, giving upgrading photographers a much larger sensor area to create stunning images that are sharp, color accurate and true works of art.
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Sony’s BIONZ image processor drives the sensor and many of the other “unbelievable” specs of the NEX-C3. One of these is the capture of low-noise, highly acceptable photos when the low-light conditions require the selection of a very high ISO sensitivity of 12,800. Whether you’re shooting the fast action of sports or wildlife or the uncontrolled glee of your children playing in the park, the image processor also makes a maximum of 5.5fps continuous shooting possible, and with every frame at 16.2 megapixels in size. The BIONZ engine also has the juice to power the 3D Sweep Panorama Mode. Pick a spectacular landscape and slowly pan the camera across the scene and the mode will shoot individual right-eye and left-eye images.
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Although you may have “to see it to believe it,” the diminutive Sony NEX-C3 has the room for a built-in auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography mode. What has typically required logging some extensive time with editing software can now be created in the NEX-C3. The camera takes two shots of a still subject, and then pulls the best highlight details from one and the best shadow details from the other. These are merged into an HDR image that also defies believability although it’s right in front of you.
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The purpose of the Sony NEX-C3 is not to shove a complicated camera into the hands of beginners, which is why it’s built with more than the standard LCD screen. Not only is it a big 3-inch, 921,000-pixel display (the equal of professional-grade DSLRs), but also tilts 45 degrees below the horizontal plane and 80 degrees above it, making it easier to find and frame more photos.
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The NEX-C3 is also a learning tool for beginners, with its on-screen help guide. Instead of just showing shooting data, such as white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure, etc., the guide explains what you are seeing and how to use the camera’s features to improve your photography.
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Accomplished photographers know that some of the most creative and interesting images can be found during twilight, often known as the magic hour. You’ll learn how to capture dramatic photos on the NEX-C3 with its twilight mode. You won’t need a tripod to take sharp pictures, as this mode allows you to handhold the camera, as it records six frames in a fraction of a second. It then blends them into an incredibly unbelievable single image that will make you look like a pro.
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The Sony NEX-C3 also makes it easy for photographers new to such an advanced camera to be highly artistic with its many creative settings, such as Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W, and 8 scene selection modes, Portrait, Sports, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Night Shot.
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Still not a believer? You will be when you take advantage of B&H Photo Video’s instant savings through March 3, 2012. The Sony NEX-C3 with an 18–55 zoom lens is only $549.99, a savings of $50 off its regular price. For more information, visit www.bhphotovideo.com
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