A Sony NEX-3NL Review from a Non-Photographer Part 1

Category: Tech Today

Having used Canon film cameras during my youth and purchased a Canon PowerShot point-and-shoot back in 2003 and then another model in 2009, I've never had complaints with Canon cameras and never considered buying a DSLR (arguably one of the most overpriced electronic products in the world). I ignored mirrorless ILCs when they were first introduced to the market and was ready to invest my hard-earned money in a smartphone when the Sony NEX-3NL went on sale in Hong Kong and then in Shanghai. Now, the Sony NEX series was always in my radar in case I ever won the New York lottery or gained wall-crawling powers to take news photos from buildings. Despite my loyalty for Canon and my older brother's penchant for Lumix cameras, the NEX-3NL was within my limited skillset and conservative price range. Two other reasons for finally upgrading to an ILC after all these years were a) I hardly ever called or texted anyone which made smartphones impractical and b) I had a great excuse because a huge Chinese holiday was coming up and Christmas/New Year was just around the corner.

There are plenty of exhaustive reviews of Sony's NEX cameras including ones written for the entry-level ILC, NEX-3NL. I went through plenty of articles myself before taking advantage of an online sale and purchasing the camera. I'm hardly qualified to write a review from a photographer's perspective so I'll focus on the user experience instead:

1. Design and appearance. Retro designs from Olympus and Lumix are in vogue these days and although physical design is at the bottom of my list when it comes to buying electronics, I'm digging the black metal build of the NEX-3NL. My friend in Shanghai, who is learning to use her new Nikon DSLR, admitted that she would've preferred a smaller camera like the Sony NEX-3NL. The Sony NEX-3NL is big enough not to look like a point-and-shoot but small enough not to feel like a millstone around your neck. The camera doesn't scream "I'm a TOURIST!" and doesn't make you look like one of those smug, arrogant "photographers" who believe they understand the particle physics behind their camera. There's a white and pink version of the Sony NEX-3NL but heck, all I needed was a press pass saying Daily Bugle and I'm all set to report to Robbie Robertson and J. Jonah Jameson.




2. JPEG and RAW. I've already written about Sony's RAW file format and how it works with Windows and Linux. I have yet to fully tap into the power of RAW using Sony's utility, showFOTO, DigiKam and RawTherapee but my first impression of Sony's .ARW format is very positive. For those who just need to post web photos, you can set the Sony NEX-3NL to shoot both RAW and JPEG at the same time.

3. Menus and Interface. Reviewers of Sony cameras criticize the overly friendly and somewhat text-laden menus. As a technical writer, I didn't find it burdensome or annoying at all. The NEX-3NL is an entry level ILC and the menus and text are helpful to someone with limited skills like me. Obviously, veteran photographers (or people who think they're really good with a camera) can look elsewhere if they feel offended by the interface but I thought the descriptions of settings were judiciously added. I admit that the menus could use a bit of redesign considering that Sony products, particularly the Xperia smartphones, are known for their attractive and slick interface. But remember, this is a camera - not a smartphone for showing off. Moreover, your eyes will eventually filter out the text descriptions and icons once you've used the camera long enough anyway.

4. Swiveling LCD screen and Auto Self-Portrait. One of the primary features of the Sony NEX-3NL that Sony marketed intensively was the Self-Portrait feature. I'm not a huge fan of the most narcissistic digital activity in the world and loathe the term "selfie". The swiveling LCD panel and the automatic self-portrait controls, however, are useful if your companion or significant other wants to share a photo with you. 

5. E16-50mm Lens. It's my first ILC and veteran photographers will roll their eyes when I say this - the huge lens is awesome. You would still need to know how to use the settings of the Sony NEX camera to get the best photos but I have to admit the kit zoom lens certainly prevented me from taking insanely shoddy photos. If you've used point-and-shoot cameras for most of your life like me, the difference in photo quality is startling.




Continued in A Sony NEX-3NL Review from a Non-Photographer Part 2