SONY NEX-C3 Review by @JurassicJonz

This has been my first opportunity to road test the latest Sony Nex model, the NEX-C3.
I have the black C3 body with the silver 18-55mm E series Optical Steady Shot OSS f3.5-5.6 lens and the supplied HVL-F75 Flashgun to carry over my shoulder for a few sun scorched days in Kalkan, Turkey.
This isn't my first experience with a Nex, I have used the original Nex-5 on a few occasions and have been pleasantly surprised.

The New NEX-C3 offers an increased pixel count of 16.2 effective megapixel resolution and simplified on-board technology for non-technical users.

- Firstly I would like to talk LCD:

This screen can be easily used as a viewfinder device to compose images in the harshest of sunlight. I'm talking about the fiercest Lycian coast at midday and it doesn't get much brighter than that! I applied a LCD protective skin which possibly detracts from the camera's ability, but I only noticed viewing difficulty in a Back-Lit situation.
If you've not used a camera without a viewfinder or have heard horror stories of not being able to use such a camera in bright sunlight, don't be concerned and dismiss that information, because the NEX Trublack 921k dot LCD works well in almost all lighting conditions.
The 3" widescreen LCD is also the perfect replay facility, allowing you to confidently check your images and movie even in bright sunlight.

- Let's talk handling:

The Nex is different. If you've used any sort of camera before, the Nex Compact Camera System design produces a hybrid feel with influences from the three contemporary types of Digital Stills Compact (DSC), Bridge and Digital SLR.

The NEX-3C offers sleeker handling on the right side and a lighter weight due to the plastic shell, opposed to the metal, more angular body of the NEX-5. Your left hand is required to manually adjust the zoom, operate the manual focus (if selected) or just cradle the lens barrel when shooting.

I did find myself occasionally raising the camera towards my eye, but that is a SLR habit that, in time, will fade. (I think the manual zoom control tricks you into thinking you are holding a traditional SLR with a viewfinder).

A definite bonus of the NEX is the weight and lack of it! Lightest in its class with an APS-C size sensor, I found that I wasn't conscious of carrying the camera, where I am when lugging our SLR system around the planet!
I found the shoulder/ neck strap more than adequate, whereas my SLR required a strap update to disperse the weight.

The HVL-F75 flash is powered by the camera battery and is worth leaving attached to the camera. Having experimented with High ISO at night, you can achieve a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake but noise is evident. I found the Fill-Flash essential for day time portraits in this intense level of sunlight.

- Navigation:

I find the MENU system straight forward but can understand where some criticism has been founded.

The camera is small, so most controls offer dual functionality to avoid a mass of buttons.

The MENU button is key to advanced functionality. There are a great deal of options here, but if you gain an understanding of what is within each menu icon, one at a time, before opening another, I still feel the layout is intuitive.

I have experimented with the Picture Effect mode, which I think maybe a new feature. I'll post the images at the end of this review. This feature offers preset effects in addition to the Scene Selection mode commonly found on most digital cameras. We particularly enjoyed the "Partial Color" filters, which could save the photographer masses of editing time in a post production software such as Adobe Photoshop.

I've briefly tried one of the HDR modes, but need to review the image on a full size monitor to be able to appraise properly.
The on-screen technology description is very useful when considering selecting a feature for the first time.
I didn't get a chance to try the full HDR mode but read that the HDR system would capture 3 images to combine into 1. This is another technology that could save the photographer post production adjustment time.

- Necessary Information:

The NEX-3C has separate access to the battery and SDHC memory. I feel this may be new, or maybe a design feature of the original NEX-3?
Without the NEX-5 with me, I can't remember for sure, but think the NEX-5 offered singular access to memory/ battery access?

The battery life is excellent. A brand new battery with one full charge still offered 35% charge remaining after 4 full days of use shooting over 8 GB of stills and movies.

 - Conclusion:

I am convinced the NEX is currently the best Compact Camera System on the market, possibly only rivaled by the Panasonic G Series that I'm yet to test.
I feel the appeal of this system is broad but predominantly benefits the Advanced User.
This is a camera that invites the user to experiment.
Having seen the high quality image potential, I can confirm that a Compact Camera System will be my first choice when travelling.

Portia of Orchid Photography had these thoughts when questioned with; "what do you like about this camera?"
"Clarity & sharpness of images - some images rivalling my EOS 5D with Canon EF L series 24-70 f2.8 lens. Really good to hold, very manageable. I really enjoyed the Partial Color filter from the "Picture Effect" Pallet. It's tidy"

 

Picture Effect Mode - Part Blue

 

Picture Effect Mode - Toy

 

Picture Effect Mode - Pop

 

Picture Effect Mode - Posturization Black & White

 

Picture Effect Mode - Retro