Interchangeable Lens Camera | α NEX-C3 Camera with 18mm Lens | NEX-C3K/B

α NEX-C3 with 18-55mm Lens

Model number: NEXC3K/B

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Model Features: 16.2-megapixel, up to 5.5 fps shooting, ISO 12800 sensitivity, HD movies at 1280x720/30, APS-C size HD image sensor, Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR, Live View, Tiltable LCD, E-mount 18-55mm lens.

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Position 1 Overview
Position 2 Features
Position 3 Specifications
Position 4 Gallery
Position 5 Reviews
Position 6 Accessories
Position 7 Compatability

Small wonder.

Get all the performance of a DSLR in about half the size and half the weight. The NEX-C3's exquisitely compact dimensions make it the smallest interchangeable lens camera in the world with a large, image enhancing APS-C size sensor³ — you'll want to take everywhere. Experience gorgeous HD movies¹, astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 5.5 frames per second, incredible panorama shots and Live View on the tiltable 3" LCD.

Bigger Sensor, Better Pictures

Get the same sensor format as a full-sized α DSLR, minus the mass. Since the APS-C image sensor is 13 times the size of a typical sensor, you'll be taking 16.2MP photographs, not snapshots. Capture more attractive portraits and gorgeously blurred backgrounds. See better in low light thanks to the larger APS-C sensor and Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology.
World's Smallest and Lightest

The NEX-C3 delivers the quality of a DSLR in a compact camera that's ready to go wherever you go. At roughly half the size and half the weight of a conventional DSLR it's the world's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera (as of August 2012).
Photo Creativity Interface

Get creative with artistic SLR-quality digital imaging made easy by the Photo Creativity interface. Use the control wheel to access seven functions including: Picture Effect, Background Defocus, Soft Skin Effect, Color, Brightness, Vividness and Self-timer. Review changes in real time and even combine or remove selections, all on the 3.0" LCD.
Expect More from a Camera

Sony has always recognized that a digital camera could take pictures in ways that film cameras never dreamed of. That's why we've created new capabilities to take your photography further than ever. These include Sweep Panorama in 2D and 3D, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur modes.

All screen images simulated.
HD Movie

Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in a PC-friendly MP4 format. The NEX-C3 gives you a choice of 720/30p high definition or standard definition 480/30p¹.
The Creativity of Changing Lenses

The beauty of SLR photography is the ability to change lenses to match your shooting situation. Now Sony brings that beauty to a compact camera. The NEX-C3 gives you a choice of dedicated E-mount lenses, plus a choice of 28 A-mount lenses via an adaptor, sold separately⁶.

Stay quick and nimble with a NEX-C3 camera capable of going everywhere you do. Adjust the brilliantly tiltable 3.0 LCD screen to review on the go or use it to frame-up your next shot. Check out a multitude of modes including Sweep Panorama in 2D and 3D, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur. Catch all the action in 720/30p HD or 480/30p standard definition to playback and share later. Get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements thanks to 16.2MP resolution and Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology. Includes E-mount 18-55mm zoom lens.

Smallest in class

This is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens digital still camera using an APS-C size sensor (as of June 2011). We removed the conventional mirror box, AF sensor and viewfinder, reducing the “flange back” distance from 44.5 mm to 18 mm. The result has all the quality of an α DSLR, in about half the size and weight.

HD movie recording

Capture vivid, lifelike HD movies in the PC-friendly MP4 format. Shoot 720/30p high definition or standard definition 480/30p.¹

ISO 12800 sensitivity

Incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail. As of June 2011, this is best-in-class performance, made possible by low-noise Exmor™ APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ® image processor.

Anti Motion Blur mode

Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur.

Live View LCD

The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays.

Fast Auto Focus

Some cameras in this class are slow to focus. That can make you miss the shot on fast-moving subjects like sports and unpredictable subjects like pets and babies. Sony’s fast Contrast Auto Focus system typically takes just 0.3 seconds. Also offers continuous Auto Focus when shooting movies.¹⁰

On-screen Help Guide

Provides ready reference, explains the camera’s modes and settings. Walks you through camera operation so you get the best shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater sophistication.

Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor

Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The NEX-C3 Exmor™ sensor provides 4,912 column-parallel A/D converters. You get fast response, superb image clarity.

Accepts α DSLR A-mount lenses6

Using the LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of α A-mount system lenses, which includes 34 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply.⁶

Manual Focus Assist

Greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch the focus ring, making it easy to get razor-sharp images. Works with E-mount lenses only.

“Background Defocus” control

Cameras with APS-C sensors take beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That helps make your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography. But you’ve had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the Control Wheel one way for backgrounds in focus, the other for background defocus.

Face Detection technology

The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults.

Eight Scene Selection Modes

These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Night Shot modes.

Picture Effect mode

There are 7 types (11 variations) of picture effects to choose from: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color,Retro Photo, Partial Color(R), Partial Color(G), Partial Color(B), Partial Color(Y), High-key, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera. Each is unique and each give you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos pop.

Up to 400 Shots⁸ of battery life

Take up to 400 shots on a single charge⁸ with Sony® lithium ion Stamina™ battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

PhotoTV HD compatibility⁹

Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions for gorgeous display of digital pictures.

APS-C size HD image sensor

The same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized α DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between “snapshots” and “photographs,” delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.

Up to 5.5 frames per second

Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting at full 16.2 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps.

Sweep Panorama

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length).

Auto HDR built into camera

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

921K pixel TruBlack™ LCD screen

Sony’s Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has best-in-class resolution (as of June 2011). The TruBlack™ screen includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increase contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight.

iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode

Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization without leaving auto mode so you always get the best shot.

Control Wheel + Customizable Soft Keys

Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-C3 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and context-sensitive Soft Keys. It’s elegant, uncluttered and intuitive.

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

Multi-segment metering

Optimizes exposure based on 49 segments. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations.

RAW image capture

The NEX-C3 saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.

Powerful supplied software¹¹

To help you refine and manage your images, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).¹¹

HDMI® output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI® output.¹² In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television’s remote.⁷

Photo Creativity interface

The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression of SLR-quality digital imaging. Changes can be combined/removed and viewed in real time on the LCD making it a breeze to make adjustments. Choose from seven different Photo Creativity functions using the convenient control wheel and center button: Picture Effect, Background Defocus Control, Soft Skin Effect, Color, Brightness, Vividness, and Self-timer / Continuous Advance.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor.

Dual Format Media Card Slot

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately.)

Supplied accessories

The kit includes a NP-FW50 Lithium ion rechargeable battery, BC-VW1 battery charger, Mini B USB cable, software CD and shoulder strap.

Interchangeable lenses

Compatible with Sony’s E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for α compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options.

16.2 megapixel resolution

You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.

3D Sweep Panorama™ Mode⁴

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television4. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

Hand-held Twilight Mode

Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise.

Tiltable 3” LCD screen

Empowers your photography with a different point or view. Tilts down 45° and up 80° to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss.

Intelligent Auto Focus

Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum.

On-screen Shooting Tips

Offers expert advice so you can shoot like a pro.

BIONZ® image processor

The brains of the camera is a refined version of Sony’s BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.2 megapixel images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama and 6 image layering.

25-point Auto Focus

25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame.

Peaking for Precise Focus

The Peaking function makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors ( white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot.

Accepts image stabilized lenses

Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical SteadyShot® image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake. Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be remarkably thin and light.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile sensitivity.

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

P/A/S/M operating modes

The NEX-C3 offers a full range of controls from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

Supplied detachable flash

To help you shoot more effectively in formal portraits, the supplied flash has a Guide Number of 7.

Index and Slide Show Display

Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.

Product Specifications

Drive System

Burst Buffer : JPEG (Fine: 14 shots, Standard: 18 shots), RAW (6 shots), RAW+JPEG (6 shots)
Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous, Speed Priority, Self-timer, Continuous Self-timer, Bracketing
Flash Sync Speed : 1/160 seconds
Shutter Speeds : 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
Shutter Type : Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter

Focus Control

AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Continuous AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus
Focus Area : Multi Point AF (25 points), Center Weighted AF, Flexible Spot AF
Focus Sensitivity : 0 EV to +20 EV (at ISO100 conversion with F2.8 lens)
Manual Focus Assist : Magnified display for precise manual focus
Focus Features : Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock
AF Illuminator : Built-in, LED type

LCD Display

LCD Type : 3.0” TFT Xtra Fine™ LCD (921,600 pixels) w/TruBlack™ technology
Angle Adjustment : Up: Approx. 80 degrees, Down: Approx. 45 degrees
Brightness Control : Auto (-2 to +2 step sunny weather)
Coverage : 100%
Live View : Yes, (Constant AF Live View)
Real-time image adjustment display : Exposure Compensation, WB, Creative Style
Histogram : Yes (On/off)
Peaking : Yes (MF only, Level setting: High/Mid/Low/Off), (Color: White/Red/Yellow)
Grid Display : Yes (On/off)
Customization : Brightness: Auto, Manual, Sunny Weather Display Color: Black, White, Blue, Pink

Recording

Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
Color Space : sRGB, AdobeRGB
Still Image Mode : JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG
Still Image Size 16:9 : L (14M): 4912 X 2760 M (7.1M): 3568 X 2000 S (3.4M): 2448 X 1376
Still Image Size 3:2 : L (16M): 4912 X 3264 M (8.4M): 3568 X 2368 S (4M): 2448 X 1624
Video Format : MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))
Video Resolution : MP4 HD: 1280 x 720/ 30p MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p
Audio Format : MPEG-4 AAC-LC

Weights and Measurements

Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 4-3/8 � 2-3/8 � 1-5/16" (109.6 x 60.0 x 33.0mm) (W/H/D); 1 1/16" (25.9mm) excl grip and lens mount
Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 7.9 oz (225g) (excl battery & media) Approx. 10.0 oz (283g) (w/battery & media)

Advanced Features

Face Detection : Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority
Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes - Off, Slight, Normal, Big
Advanced User Interface : Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu
Anti Motion Blur : 6-image layering
Auto High Dynamic Range : Yes, (Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step), off)
Photo Creativity : Yes (via iAuto Mode)
Shooting Tips : 80 expert advice shooting tips
Sweep Panorama : Horizontal, Vertical, and 3D Panorama¹³

Exposure System

Picture Effect(s) : Toy Camera,Pop Color,Posterization (Color),Posterization (B/W)),Retro Photo,High-key,Partial Color(R),Partial Color(G),Partial Color(B), Partial Color(Y),High Contrast Monochrome
Auto Exposure Lock : Yes (AE Lock with focus lock)
Color Temperature : 2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation
Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
D-Range Optimizer : Yes: (Auto, Level 1-5, off)
Exposure Compensation : �2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)
Exposure Settings : iAUTO, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama (2D), Sweep Panorama (3D), Anti Motion Blur, Picture Effect, Scene Selection
ISO : Auto, 200 to 12800
Metering : 49 Segment metering from CMOS image sensor
Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
Metering Sensitivity : 0EV-20EV, (at ISO 100 equivalent w/ f/2.8 lens)
Noise Reduction : Long exp.NR: (On/Off, available at shutter speeds longer than 1 second) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak)
Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight
White Balance Mode : Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Color Filter, Custom

Imaging Sensor

Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and electromagnetic vibration mechanism
Pixel Gross : Approx. 16.5 megapixels
Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 16.2 megapixels
Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x
Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

Optics/Lens

Lens Mount Type : Sony E-mount
Aperture (Max.) : f/3.5-5.6
Aperture (Min.) : f/22-34
Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 27mm-82.5mm (35mm equivalent)
Lens Construction : Metal
Lens Groups-Elements : 9 groups, 11 elements (4 aspheric surfaces)
Minimum Focus Distance : 9.8" (0.25m)
Angle of View : 76^o - 29^o
Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 62 x 60mm
Exterior Finish : Metal
Internal Motor : Yes (Stepping motor)
Lens Weight : 2.5oz (70g)
Low Noise During Movie Capture : Excellent
Maximum Magnification : 0.25x (APS-C)
Non-rotating Focusing Ring : No rotation
Steady Shot Mode:Active : Lens-based Image Stabilization

Software

Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) v5.2; Image Data Converter SR v3.2; Image Data Lightbox SR v2.2
Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7; Mac OS X (v10.3-?10.6), PMB is not compatible with Mac OS.

Camera

Lens Compatibility : Sony E-mount lens, (Sony A-mount lenses when used with LA-EA1 lens adaptor)
Lens Mount : Sony E-mount
Camera Type : Sony E-mount interchangeable lens digital camera

Flash

Flash Bracketing : 3 frames, 1/3, 2/3EV steps selectable
Flash Compensation : +/-2EV,1/3EV steps
Flash Coverage : FOV coverage up to 16 mm (in the focal length)
Flash Metering System : Pre-flash TTL
Flash Modes : Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction
Flash Type : Smart accessory terminal (HVL-F7S Flash Supplied)
Guide Number : 7 (in meters at ISO 100)
Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.

Interface

BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
DVDirect : Yes, via USB
HD Output : HDMI® (TypeC mini)
Memory Card Slot : Dual slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™/PRO-HG HX Duo™ media - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
PhotoTV HD : Yes, with BRAVIA Sync™ enabled HDTV and HDMI® cable
USB Port(s) : USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Power

Number of Still Images : Approx. 400 images (CIPA standard)

Viewfinder

Magnification : 0.073x (APS-C)(when attached)

In the Box

HVL-F7S external flash
NP-FW50 Lithium ion rechargeable battery
CD-ROM

SEL1855 E-mount 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens
BC-VW1 Battery Charger
Shoulder strap

Lens cap
Power cord
USB cable (Mini B)

Product Profile

Support

Find related product support and help in Sony eSupport

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty

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Compact Carrying Case

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Compact Carrying Case

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Handycam Camcorder Soft Case

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Handycam Camcorder Soft Case

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Alpha NEX Camera Accessory Kit

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InfoLithium W Series Battery Pack

$79.99
AC Adapter for Alpha NEX Cameras

$119.99
AC Charger for W Series Battery

$59.99
16mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens

$249.99
Body Cap for Alpha NEX Cameras

$5.99
Rear Lens Cap for Alpha NEX Cameras

$5.99
Compact Stereo Microphone

$129.99
External Flash for Alpha NEX Cameras

$149.99
Alpha NEX Camera Mount Adapter

$199.99
Lightweight Tripod

$49.99

α NEX E-mount Lenses

20mm f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens

$349.99
50mm f/1.8 Mid-Range Prime Lens

$299.99
55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 Telephoto Lens

$349.99
24mm f/1.8 Wide-Angle Prime Lens

$1099.99

Alpha NEX Camera Mount Adapters

Alpha NEX Camera Mount Adapter

$399.99

G Series Lenses

500mm f/4.0 Super Telephoto Lens

$12999.99

Discontinued Camera Accessories

16GB Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo Media

Cases, Covers and Straps

Shoulder Strap

$39.99

NEXC3K/B 5 5 11 11

LOVE THIS CAMERA! The camera is great the picture come out nice! Very easy for me to use, and it was a great upgrade from my cyber-shot. This is my 3rd camera from Sony. I am very satisfied although I wish the price was cheaper. I still love it! March 14, 2012

Great Camera That's Very Portable I bought my first D-SLR about two years ago (A Sony Alpha), which I still love. However, because I travel a lot with my job, I find the D-SLR just a bit too big to take with me on each trip (particularly going through airports). I had therefore been looking for something that provided similar picture quality and a similar level of control (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, et cetera) but in a smaller package! I've only had the NEX-C3 for a couple of days but I'm already loving it. I must admit that I had read some of the reviews of the NEX-C3 with the smaller lens and they were a little mixed but all of the reviews on this page (NEX-C3 with 18/55 lens) would agree with my findings. My only issue is that I'm struggling to find a small but robust case that will probably protect the camera (whilst the 18/55 lens is on) and yet keeps the overall same size. Overall, I'm very pleased. February 20, 2012

Absolutely Delighted with This Camera I researched cameras for months, reading review after review. I thought I was ready to invest in a DSLR after years of being dissatisfied with several point and shoot cameras. They were simple and compact but the picture quality was never outstanding. Finally, a friend of mine who is a semi-professional photographer and who has an expensive DSLR said that she preferred her Sony alpha to the DSLR. That got my attention and I focused my research on the NEX series. I need use a camera for my work, usually shooting buildings inside as well as out, and details and good lighting are important. But I also wanted to have a good camera for recording family events. The video feature was not important to me but is handy to have. After reading professional reviews and those of people who had purchased the camera - almost unanimously glowing - I made my selection. I have no regrets! I have only had a chance to play with it indoors, in relatively low light, nevertheless I have been amazed at the picture quality! I haven't needed the flash yet - even in near darkness. I can't wait to get outdoors with it, and to spring sporting events. But even if I was limited to using it indoors, I can enthusiastically report that it has been worth the (rather substantial) investment. I have already purchased the 55-200mm lens to be ready for outdoor activities. The small camera body with the relatively large lens makes it seem a bit bulky to one who has gotten used to tiny point and shoot cameras. However, I can't complain too much about the size, as it is still much smaller that a DSLR outfit. And thanks to all the reviewers before me who helped me to make a happy decision! January 22, 2012

Best Camera!!! I just bought this camera and have had all kinds of fun with it! Just look at these pics I took with it. January 18, 2012

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VIEW FOOTNOTES

1. Records in up to 29 minutes segments.

3. World's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens digital camera utilizing APS-C size sensor as of June 2011

4. Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold sep.

6. Attaching Sony A-mount lens requires LA-EA1 adaptor (sold separately). Autofocus available with SSM and SAM series lenses.

7. Compatible with BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ HDTVs connected via HDMI®.

8. Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.

9. Requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and cable sold sep.

10. Auto Focus function available with Sony E-Mount lenses and Sony A-mount SSM and SAM series lenses.

11. Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Software not compatible with Mac OS® X.

12. Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold sep.

© 2011 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographic and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony, BIONZ, BRAVIA, BRAVIA Sync, Cyber-shot, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Duo, the Memory Stick logo, Optical SteadyShot, Remote Commander, Smile Shutter, Stamina, SteadyShot, Theatre Sync, TruBlack, and Xtra Fine LCD are trademarks of Sony. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS and iMovie are trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.