Sony NEX-3N

    57
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    Highlights

    • 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 200 - 16,000 Native ISO
    • 25 Focus Points (25 Cross-type)
    • 3.0" 460k dot Tilting Screen
    • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony NEX-3N was announced in 2013 and is an APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Mirrorless camera with 16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 200 to 16,000. The camera has a Tilting 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution.

    Sony NEX-3N can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Sony NEX series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony NEX series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-5T
    Compare
    		August
    2013    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    922k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-6
    Compare
    		March
    2013    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-3N February
    2013    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 16,000 Tilting 3.0"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-5R
    Compare
    		August
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-F3
    Compare
    		August
    2012    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 16,000 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-7
    Compare
    		December
    2011    		 24.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 16,000 Tilting 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-5N
    Compare
    		October
    2011    		 16.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-C3
    Compare
    		August
    2011    		 16 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-5
    Compare
    		June
    2010    		 14 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony NEX-3
    Compare
    		June
    2010    		 14.2 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    920k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony NEX-5T vs NEX-6 vs NEX-3N vs NEX-5R vs NEX-F3 vs NEX-7.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony NEX-3N.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 74

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony NEX-3N to its predecessor NEX-F3 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-F3
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.8 vs 22.7
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.5 vs 12.3
    Higher DxO Overall Score 74 vs 73
    Lighter 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz) vs 314 g (0.69 lb / 11.08 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 480 shots vs 470 shots
    DOWNGRADES Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-F3
    Lower Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 920k dot
    Viewfinder vs Electronic (optional)
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    External Flash Connectivity vs
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 1067 vs 1114

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony NEX-3N vs NEX-F3.

    Successor

    In 2014 Sony NEX-3N was replaced by Sony Alpha 5000. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Sony NEX-3N and its successor.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha 5000 vs Sony NEX-3N
    Higher Sensor Resolution 20.1 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
    More Powerful Processor BIONZ X vs BIONZ
    Max Image Resolution 5456 x 3632 vs 4912 x 3264
    Timelapse Recording With downloadable app vs
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Face Detection vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 460k dot
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1089 vs 1067
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.8 vs 22.8
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.0 vs 12.5
    Higher DxO Overall Score 79 vs 74
    Built-In Wi-Fi vs
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha 5000 vs Sony NEX-3N
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 3.5 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Speaker vs Mono
    Shorter Battery Life 420 shots vs 480 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony NEX-3N vs Alpha 5000.

    Screen

    Tilting screen

    Sony NEX-3N has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 460k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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    Sony NEX-3N with Tilting screen

    Sensor

    Sony NEX-3N features a 16.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 16,000.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony NEX-3N's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.5 x 15.6 mm366.6 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Sony NEX-3N has Sony E lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony NEX-3N.

    Sony a5000
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.1 MP

    Sony NEX-3
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14.2 MP

    Sony NEX-5
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14 MP

    Sony NEX-7
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Sony NEX-6
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony NEX-5T
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony NEX-5N
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony NEX-F3
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Sony NEX-C3
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16 MP

    Sony NEX-5R
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.1 MP

    Nikon D3300
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Sony a7 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.3 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony NEX-3N has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony NEX-3N comes with NPFW50 battery pack with battery life of 480 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony NEX-3N's shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 4.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony NEX-3N has a built-in flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110 x 62 x 35 mm (4.33 x 2.44 x 1.38"). It weighs 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    110 mm (4.33")

    62 mm (2.44")

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    62 mm (2.44")

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    35 mm (1.38")

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    Sony NEX-3N dimensions

    Sony NEX-3N for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony NEX-3N is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    56

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 56 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    55

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 55 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    AVERAGE
    64

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 64 and is AVERAGE choice for Portrait photography.

    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    82

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 82 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Viewfinder
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Sony NEX-3N gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots

    Sony NEX-3N Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony NEX-3N and give score of 57 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    57

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    69

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 69 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
    •   200 Lowest Native ISO
    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 74

    Photo

    POOR
    49

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 49 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   No External Flash Connectivity

    Video

    BAD
    16

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 16 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 60 for Focusing parameters.

    •   25 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    62

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 62 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Viewfinder

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    65

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 65 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    44

    We give Sony NEX-3N a score of 44 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 480 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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