Sony NEX3
Sony · Mirrorless · 14.2 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | NEX3 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 1, 2010 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 117 x 62 x 33 mm |
| Camera weight | 297 g |
Optics49/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony NEX3 earns a score of 45/100 in general specifications. Measuring 117 x 62 x 33mm and weighing 297g (0.65lbs), it offers a compact and lightweight design. Considering its age, the NEX3’s specifications may not compete with current market offerings. However, its size and weight make it a convenient option for casual photography. Sony NEX3 Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Sony NEX3 receive a score of 49/100. This camera features 14.2 megapixels and a shooting speed of 7 frames per second. Its sensor is a CMOS type, paired with a Bionz processor. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 68, and the sensor size is APS-C. The lens mount is Sony E, and the camera has image stabilization as well as a 3:2 aspect ratio. Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony NEX3’s optics may not be the most impressive. However, its 14.2-megapixel sensor and 7fps shooting speed are still capable of producing good quality images. The APS-C sensor size is a standard in many DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and the Sony E lens mount offers compatibility with various lenses. The Sony NEX3, with its optics score of 49/100, may not be the top choice for photographers seeking the latest and greatest in camera technology. However, it remains a capable camera for those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use in their camera equipment. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 14.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4592 x 3056 |
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 23.4 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps045 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. | 128003003280000 |
Min 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. | 20030200 |
Max 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. | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max 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. | 400080032000 |
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. | 250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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 |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video47/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony NEX-3 lacks video functionality. This camera does not record videos. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Standard HD |
Max video format ⓘ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 |
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. | 60 fps |
Timelapse 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. | No |
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. | MPEG-4 |
Features41/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony NEX3 scores 41/100 in the features department. It has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots. While it lacks a touchscreen, it does come with a flip screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles. However, it does not include modern connectivity options like GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth. In today’s market, these specifications can make the Sony NEX3 less attractive to potential buyers. The absence of a touchscreen and connectivity features means that it doesn’t offer the convenience and functionality that many users expect from modern cameras. The 3-inch screen and flip screen are useful, but they may not be enough to compensate for the missing features. Considering the Sony NEX3’s feature score and specifications, it is evident that the camera has limitations in today’s competitive market. While it has some useful features, the lack of modern connectivity options and a touchscreen hinder its appeal to contemporary photographers. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9200001150001500000 |
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. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery21/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony NEX3 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. It features a single memory card slot, which supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. While having multiple card slots is more desirable, the compatibility with different card types is a plus. The battery life is 330 shots, powered by an NP-FW50 battery. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities. In the current market, the Sony NEX3’s storage and battery performance is not impressive. Many newer cameras offer better battery life, multiple card slots, and USB charging options. Therefore, the NEX3 may not be the best choice for users who prioritize storage and battery capabilities. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| 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. | 330 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |