Sony NEX-C3 and SLT-A35 Previewed

Sony announced two new additions to its lineup of digital cameras at an event today: the NEX-C3 and the SLT-A35, the latest in Sony's range of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and fixed-mirror DSLRs respectively.


NEX-C3



The NEX-C3 is the world's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor, promising DSLR-quality photography without the size and bulk of traditional DSLR cameras. Offered in a choice of stylish colours, the NEX-C3 features an attractive new body design that combines a satisfying solid metal top with an easy-to-use streamlined grip shape. Not only is the NEX-C3 six percent lighter than it's predecessor the NEX-3, it also surpasses it in terms of image quality and ease-of-use.



The NEX-C3's interface is optimised for ease-of-use. Large icons in its menus make it easy for users to change settings with minimal confusion. Even if you're not familiar with specialist photo jargon, the NEX-C3 puts sophisticated picture controls within easy reach, whether you're shooting stills or HD video. The intuitive new Photo Creativity interface replaces technical terms like 'aperture' with friendlier terms such as 'background defocus'.



The NEX-C3 is also able to apply picture effects in-camera, a welcome-feature in a camera offering a more advanced photographic experience to users upgrading from a point-and-shoot. The example above was taken with a NEX-C3 at the launch event.



With it's variable-angle display, the NEX-C3 allows shooters to easily take photos from awkward angles. It's a great way to compose shots and judge the effect of adjusting picture settings, even when you're viewing outdoors in bright sunlight.



Instead of building a flash into the body, the NEX-C3 comes with a screw-on flash that can be mounted on top of the camera body. Powered directly by the camera, the flash requires no batteries, achieving an ultra-compact size and light weight.



Also announced was Sony's new E-mount 30mm f/3.5 macro lens. Capable of true 1:1 magnification with a minimum focusing distance of 2.4cm, it is the lightest macro lens available for interchangeable lens cameras. Despite its compact size, it employs one ED glass and three aspherical elements for excellent optical performance.

SLT-A35



Building on the successes of the A33 and A55 models, the SLT-A35 is the latest development in Sony's use of Translucent Mirror Technology in cameras. Coupled with the same APS-C sensor used in the NEX-C3, the SLT-A35 promises to be a compelling choice for amateur photographers and professionals alike.

The A35 maintains the alpha-series' capabilities while adding additional features. Its new sensor reduces the risk of heat-buildup, allowing the A35 to record up to 29 minutes of video per shot, up from 9 minutes with the A55. Similar to the NEX-C3, the A35 also gains in-camera picture effects.

Aside from its powerful imaging capabilities, the A35 is refreshingly accessible, even for photographers stepping up to their first interchangeable lens camera. On-screen help guides give clear explanations of selected functions and how they're used. More advanced photographers, meanwhile, will welcome the top panel-mounted customisable button that allows instant recall of any of 14 frequently-used functions.

Specifications

Features	NEX-3	NEX-C3	NEX-5
Body Material	Polycarbonate	Metal top plate, polycarbonate	Magnesium alloy
Effective Pixels	14.2 MP	16.2 MP	14.2 MP
Image Sensor	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*
Image Size	3:2 • 14 MP (L) • 7.4 MP (M) • 3.5MP (S) 16:9 • 12 MP (L) • 3.6 MP (M) • 2.9 MP (S)	3:2 • 16 MP - (L) • 8.4 MP - (M) • 4.0 MP - (S) 16:9 • 12 MP - (L) • 7.1 MP - (M) • 3.4 MP - (S)	3:2 • 14 MP (L) • 7.4 MP (M) • 3.5MP (S) 16:9 • 12 MP (L) • 3.6 MP (M) • 2.9 MP (S)
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 200 - 12800	ISO 100 - 12800	ISO 200 - 12800
Video	• MP4: 1280 x 720p 29.97fps (9 or 6 Mbps) 640x480 29.97fps	• MPEG-4 1280 x 720p 29.97fps (9 or 6 Mbps) 640 x 480 29.97fps	• AVCHD:* 1920 x 1080i 60/50fps (17Mbps) • MP4:* 1440 x 1080p 30/25fps (12Mbps)
LCD Monitor	• 3.0" LCD • 920,000 pixels • Angle adjustable 80 degrees up/45 degrees down	• 3.0" LCD • 921,600 pixels • Angle adjustable 80 degrees up/45 degrees down	• 3.0" LCD • 920,000 pixels • Angle adjustable 80 degrees up/45 degrees down
Dimensions (W x H x D)	117 x 63 x 33mm	110 x 60 x 33mm	111x 59 x 38mm
Weight (body only)	Approx. 297g	Approx. 225g	Approx. 287g

Features	SLT-A33	SLT-A35	SLT-A55
Body Material	Polycarbonate	Polycarbonate	Polycarbonate
Effective Pixels	14.2 MP	16.2 MP	14.2 MP
Image Sensor	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*	23.4 x 15.6 mm Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor*
Image Size	3:2 • 14 MP (L) • 7.4 MP (M) • 3.5MP (S) 16:9 • 12 MP (L) • 3.6 MP (M) • 2.9 MP (S)	3:2 • 16 MP - (L) • 8.4 MP - (M) • 4.0 MP - (S) 16:9 • 12 MP - (L) • 7.1 MP - (M) • 3.4 MP - (S)	3:2 • 14 MP (L) • 7.4 MP (M) • 3.5MP (S) 16:9 • 12 MP (L) • 3.6 MP (M) • 2.9 MP (S)
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)	ISO 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)	ISO 100 - 12800 (25600 with boost)
Video	• AVCHD: 1920 x 1080, 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output) • MP4: 1440 x 1080, 29.97p or 25p, depending on region 640 x 480, 29.94 fps	• AVCHD: 1920 x 1080, 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output) • MP4: 1440 x 1080, 29.97p or 25p, depending on region 640 x 480, 29.94 fps	• AVCHD: 1920 x 1080, 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output) • MP4: 1440 x 1080, 29.97p or 25p, depending on region 640 x 480, 29.94 fps
LCD Monitor	• 3.0" LCD • Multi-angle tilt • 921,600 dots* • Approx 100% frame coverage	• 3.0" LCD • 921,600 pixels • Approx 100% frame coverage	• 3.0" LCD • Multi-angle swing and tilt (180°swing, 180° swivel) • 921,600 dots* • Approx 100% frame coverage
Dimensions (W x H x D)	124 x 92 x 85*mm	124 x 92 x 85 mm	124 x 92 x 85*mm
Weight (body only)	Approx. 500g	Approx. 415g	Approx. 500g

Conclusion

Both the NEX-C3 and SLT-A35 are exciting new additions to Sony's lineup of digital cameras, bringing new innovations while maintaining the features of older models.

Full reviews will be posted in due time, so do check back for updates!