• APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 16,000

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Sony NEX-3N

  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.5 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Sony NEX-C3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.27 vs 0.43 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Very small body, refined build. Large sensor for good light gathering. Various low-light shooting modes to improve results. HD video mode with real-time autofocus.

  • Menu-driven interface is sometimes confusing, making quickly finding what you want difficult. Camera may be too small for some.

  • Excellent image quality for an entry-level mirrorless; User interface ideal for consumers stepping up from point-and-shoots; Speedy and accurate autofocusing; Zoom lever on body; Tremendous value.

  • Lack of hot shoe or accessory port limits more advanced shooting; No electronic viewfinder; Performance lags behind previous model, especially on burst shooting speed.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5N
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • Hot shoe

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX200
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels
Sony NEX-3N
Samsung NX200
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Hot shoe
  • More pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5R
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX1100
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 24p video
Sony NEX-3N
Samsung NX1100
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Sony NEX-C3
Sony NEX-5T
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5T
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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