Wow: the Sony NEX-3 EVIL camera looks insanely cool

Submitted by Elf Guest on Mon, 05/10/2010 - 23:53


So back at PMA we caught a glimpse of some rather strange-looking Alpha prototypes. Some time afterwards, we saw some interesting interface concepts. And now — well, now we’re seeing Sony’s entry into the big-sensor/no-mirror semi-EVIL camera category. If that’s even a category. I don’t even care what category it is, because this thing looks awesome.

It’s called the NEX-3 and it has a nice big sensor and E-series lens mount. That lens on there is an Alpha f3.5-5.6/18-55mm, but of course you could put a nice, compact prime on there when they come out with one and make it a more maneuverable package.

The LCD is not a touchscreen, though. I thought it was going to be, but it’s all managed via a wheel and a few buttons. Good news, though: it flips up like crazy and lets you shoot from weird angles.
I have to say I really love the whole look they’ve got here. It’s agreeably simple, elegant even. The reviewer is bullish about the camera in general, though it’s hard to get a good idea of its performance without some serious technical comparisons. Here are the relevant specs:

  • 14 megapixels
  • APS-C CMOS sensor (same as in many consumer-level DSLRs; bigger than M4/3)
  • Sony E-series lens mount
  • Shutter speed: 1/30th to 1/4000th of a second (no long exposures?)
  • 7FPS burst shooting
  • Memory Stick and SD card slots (SDXC supported)
  • 3″ LCD (921,600 pixels reportedly, I think they mean dots)
  • ISO 200-12800
  • Price: 1000AUD/probably $899 US

Sample shots and more pics of the camera over at Digital Photography School.
[via Photo Rumors]