Sony NEX-C3 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony NEX-C3
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Price | |
Brand | Sony |
Model | NEX-C3 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2011 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 08, 2011 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Sony NEX-C3 scores a 46/100 on our scale, a mirrorless camera announced on June 8, 2011. With a launch price of $770, this camera measures 110 x 60 x 33mm and weighs 225g (0.50lbs). When comparing these specifications to today’s market, the NEX-C3 is relatively compact and lightweight for its time. Although it is a decade old, the camera still offers decent features for those seeking a basic mirrorless option.
Sony NEX-C3 Overview and Optics
The optics of the Sony NEX-C3 receive a score of 50/100. This camera has a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with an APS-C size, providing decent image quality. The Sony E lens mount accommodates a variety of lenses, offering flexibility for different shooting situations. However, the lack of image stabilization may result in shaky images when shooting handheld or in low light conditions.
With a Bionz processor, the NEX-C3 achieves a shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second. This speed is relatively slow compared to other cameras in today’s market. The camera has a DXOMARK score of 73 for its sensor, which is average and does not stand out among competitors.
The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard for most cameras, providing a familiar format for photographers. Despite some shortcomings, the Sony NEX-C3’s optics perform adequately for casual photographers who prioritize affordability and simplicity over cutting-edge technology.
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Optics
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Sony NEX-C3
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.2 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4912 x 3264 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5.5 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony E |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 12,800 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 12800 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 25 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | None |
Sony NEX-C3 Video Performance
The Sony NEX-C3 receives a video score of 34/100. Its capabilities include a maximum video resolution of standard HD (1280 x 720) and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, there is no built-in time-lapse functionality.
In today’s market, these specifications fall short compared to many other cameras, as 4K resolution and higher frame rates have become standard features. The lack of time-lapse functionality also limits the creative options for users.
The Sony NEX-C3’s video performance is not competitive with current camera offerings. Users looking for advanced video capabilities should explore other options to meet their needs.
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Video
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Sony NEX-C3
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Standard HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1280 x 720 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MP4 |
Sony NEX-C3 Features and Benefits
The Sony NEX-C3 scores 41/100 in the features section. It has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots, providing clear and detailed image previews. However, the camera lacks a touchscreen, which is a common feature in many modern cameras. The NEX-C3 compensates for this with a flip screen, allowing for flexible shooting angles.
Unfortunately, the camera does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These features are now considered standard in most contemporary cameras for easy geotagging and seamless photo sharing. The absence of these features makes the NEX-C3 less competitive in today’s market.
The Sony NEX-C3 offers some desirable features, such as a flip screen, but falls short in other aspects, such as connectivity options. Its feature score reflects its limited capabilities compared to modern cameras.
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Features
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Sony NEX-C3
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 920,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Sony NEX-C3 Storage and Battery
The storage and battery section of the Sony NEX-C3 scores 24 out of 100. This camera has a single memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, this range of compatibility is adequate, but multiple card slots are becoming more common in newer cameras.
With a battery life of 400 shots, the NEX-C3 utilizes the NP-FW50 battery type. This battery life is somewhat limited compared to more recent camera models, which often offer longer shooting times. Additionally, the NEX-C3 does not have USB charging capability, making it less convenient for on-the-go charging.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony NEX-C3’s storage and battery capabilities are modest and may not meet the demands of today’s photographers who seek more advanced options.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony NEX-C3
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | NP-FW50 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 400 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony NEX-C3
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.7 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.2 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1083 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |