Sony Adds 16.2MP NEX-C3 Switchable-Lens Cameras with APS-C Size Sensors

Interchangeable-Lens Camera

San Diego, CA—Sony says its Alpha NEX-C3 is “the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with an APS-C size sensor.” The C3 brings the promise of DSLR-quality to consumers looking for a camera without the bulk of conventional DSLRs.

Sporting a solid metal top casing with a grip shape, the camera weighs about 8 ounces and is nearly 6 percent lighter than its predecessor. The resolution of its large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor was boosted to 16.2 megapixels to capture stills and 720p HD video. The sensor is also said to produce pro-quality background defocus effects, whether shooting video or stills.

Its intuitive new “photo creativity” interface is designed to put controls within easy reach: technical terms like “aperture,” “exposure value” and “white balance” are replaced with the more intuitive “background defocus,” “brightness” and “color,” allowing users to create custom-styled photographs. A traditional interface with aperture/shutter priority, manual and custom functions is also available for experienced users, along with customizable soft-keys for programming direct access to important controls.

An in-camera picture effect setting lets users add effect options in-camera, including partial color, retro photo, pop color, high-contrast monochrome, posterization, high-key, toy camera and soft skin.

Other features include: a tilting 3.0-inch LCD with TruBlack screen technology; an improved energy-efficient battery for 400 still shots; 3D sweep panorama mode to capture extra-wide images that can be viewed in 3D on a 3D TV with 3D glasses; auto HDR; handheld twilight and anti-motion blur modes that automatically combine six exposures to capture low-noise images and combat hand-blur and subject-blur when shooting in available light; support for SD and Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX media; an α E-mount that accepts the line of E-mount interchangeable lenses.

Accessories include the optional HVL-F20S style-matching flash that clips onto the C3’s smart accessory terminal, as well as a new body case/lens jacket and a soft carrying case.

Sony’s NEX-C3 ultra-compact will be available this August in silver, black and pink with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens for $650. It will also be offered in black only with a 16mm lens for about $600. sony.com