Sony NEX-F3

Very good photo quality; low noise through ISO 1600 in low light, ISO 12800 (!) in good light ; Good value for the money ; Sharp 3-inch LCD display can flip upward 180 degrees, allowing for easy self-portraits ; Snappy performance in most respects ;...

Consistently seems to underexpose by 1/3 or 2/3 stop ; Menu-driven user interface still frustrating to use, even with addition of custom button ; Design annoyances: camera's size advantage lost when a lens is attached; LCD's 16:9 aspect ratio not...

The Sony Alpha NEX-F3 is one of the best entry-level mirrorless cameras on the market. While its menu-driven interface isn't for everyone, its impressive photo quality and host of useful features offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Built-in flash. Optional EVF available. Great high ISO performance. Customizable controls. 180° tilting LCD. 1080p video support

Front-facing LCD limits downward tilt. APS-C lenses are larger than some other mirrorless systems. Limited lens library. No dedicated battery charger

Despite having a rather odd progression in model names, the Sony Alpha NEX-F3 ($599.99 direct with 18-55mm lens) is the direct successor to our Editors' Choice Sony Alpha NEX-C3 ($649.99, 4.5 stars). Like its predecessor, the F3 sports a 16-megapixel...

The Sony NEX-F3 replaces the Sony NEX-C3 as the entry-level model in the company’s line of compact mirrorless system cameras. While it’s entry-level, the F3 has quite a bit of punch to it, with 5.5FPS continuous shooting, a maximum ISO speed of 16000,...

Quality 16-megapixel stills and AVCHD movies ; APS-C sized sensor ; Tilting 3-inch LCD screen

As usual, puzzling NEX menu system ; Don’t expect to capture super-fast action

The small size, quality of the stills and videos and the nicely-loaded feature set make this camera a good option for anyone shopping for a CSC or entry-level DSLR this season.

Lightweight. Excellent manual capabilities and good lenses that lead to sharp pictures. Surprisingly good for a $500 camera

Flimsy-feeling plastic body does not inspire confidence. Anemic hand grip. Touchy joystick interface can get in the way of the camera’s best performance. No external battery charger, so you have to plug the camera into the wall

Very good photo quality; low noise through ISO 1600 in low light, ISO 12800 (!) in good light ; Good value for the money ; Sharp 3-inch LCD display can flip upward 180 degrees, allowing for easy self-portraits ; Snappy performance in most respects ;...

Consistently underexposes by 1/3 or 2/3 stop ; Menu-driven user interface still frustrating to use, even with addition of custom button ; Design annoyances: camera's size advantage lost when a lens is attached; LCD's 16:9 aspect ratio not suited for...

If you're looking for a low-priced interchangeable lens camera, then the Sony Alpha NEX-F3 should certainly be on your list. It has great photo quality, a complete set of features, and snappy performance. The only thing I'd recommend is trying one out...

Increased grip is a welcome design change, Responsive AF and shot-to-shot time for entry-level, APS-C sensor yields solid image quality

Noise reduction is overly aggressive at most ISO speeds

Sony’s NEX line of interchangeable lens cameras have always struck a delicate balance between size and performance; the DSLR-size sensors in this camera lineup allow for DSLR performance, but the lenses on cameras like the $599 Sony Alpha NEX-F3 are...

Built-in flash. Optional EVF available. Great high ISO performance. Customizable controls. 180° tilting LCD. 1080p video support ; Cons: Front-facing LCD limits downward tilt. APS-C lenses are larger than some other mirrorless systems. Limited lens...

Front-facing LCD limits downward tilt. APS-C lenses are larger than some other mirrorless systems. Limited lens library. No dedicated battery charger ; Bottom Line: The Sony Alpha NEX-F3 is a worthy successor to the Editors' Choice NEX-C3. The latest...

The Sony Alpha NEX-F3 is a worthy successor to the Editors' Choice NEX-C3. The latest iteration impresses with superb image quality, even at very high ISO settings, and you get a deeper handgrip, built-in flash, and support for an optional EVF. Despite...