Sony NEX-F3K/B 16.1 MP Compact System Camera with 18-55mm Lens (Black)

by Sony

• 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor
• Full HD movie shooting 60i/24p
• LCD tilts down 13°, up 180° for low-angle and self-portrait shots

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 1.6 x 2.6 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00836H2BI
• Item model number: NEXF3K/B
• Batteries 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,170 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #40 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Digital Cameras > Compact System Cameras
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 16, 2012

Product Description

Color: Black | Style: With 18-55mm Lens

From the Manufacturer

The performance of a DSLR in about half the size and weight. With a new 180° tilt screen, the NEX-F3 makes taking self-portraits easy and intuitive. Enjoy gorgeous HD movies, astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 5.5 fps, incredible panorama shots, and Live View on a 3.0-inch LCD.

	Bigger Sensor = Better Pictures.		Capture Full HD Movies.		Interchangable Lens.
	This camera has the same sensor that Sony puts in many of thier larger DSLR cameras. With 13 times the power of the typical point-and-shoot, the NEX-F3K delivers an exceptional combination of high resolution and high sensitivity images.		Record super smooth 1080 Full HD Video in either 60i or 24p frames per second. Records in your choice of 1080/60i or 24p AVCHD™ format or in PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format.1		Using the LA-EA1 or LA-EA2 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of α A-mount system lenses, which includes 34 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply.9

Technology

16.1 MP APS-C size image sensor The same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized α DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical point-and-shoot image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between “snapshots” and “photographs,” delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds.	Picture Effect mode There are 11 types (15 variations) of picture effects to choose from: HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color (Green/Blue/Yellow/ Red), Pop Color, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Posterization (B/W, Color), and Rich Monotone .	Sweep Panorama™ Mode Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together.
Capture Full HD Movies Record super smooth 1080 Full HD Video in either 60i or 24p frames per second. Records in your choice of 1080/60i or 24p AVCHD™ format or in PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format.1	Built-in flash Perfect when an extra burst of light is needed to get the shot, the built-in Guide Number 6 flash combines with high ISO sensitivity to enable shooting in just about any setting.	Flip-Up 3.0" LCD Screen Self-portraits are made easy with the NEX-F3K. A 180 degree tiltable 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD™ screen and 3 second count down timer allow you can be in the shot too!

Product description and full feature list

The NEX-F3 compact interchangeable lens camera is equipped with the latest digital imaging technologies to give your photographs a professional edge.

16.1 MP APS-C size HD image sensor The same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized α DSLRs. With 13 times the area of the typical point-and-shoot image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between “snapshots” and “photographs,” delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds. BIONZ® image processor The brains of the camera is a refined version of Sony’s BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 16000 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.1 megapixel images, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama™ modes and 6 image layering. ISO 200 - 16000 sensitivity The Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processing engine combine to ensure clear imaging with reduced noise. In addition to an ISO AUTO range of ISO 200 - 3200, user-selectable sensitivity of up to ISO 16000 is offered, making it possible to capture low-light photos with reduced blur using fast shutter speeds. Full HD 1080/60i/24p movies Record super smooth 1080 Full HD Video in either 60i or 24p frames per second. Records in your choice of 1080/60i or 24p AVCHD™ format or in PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format.1 Built-in flash Perfect when an extra burst of light is needed to get the shot, the built-in Guide Number 6 flash combines with high ISO sensitivity to enable shooting in just about any setting. 180° tiltable 3.0" LCD Self-portraits made easy 180° tiltable 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD screen and 3-second count down timer. Up to 5.5 frames per second Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting at full 16.1 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps. Convenient USB charging Easily recharge the NEX-F3 via USB charging. Live View LCD The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays. On-screen Help Guide Provides a ready-reference that explains the camera’s modes and settings. It walks through the camera’s operation so you get the best shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater sophistication. Control Wheel + Customizable Soft Keys Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-F3 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and context-sensitive Soft Keys. It’s elegant, uncluttered and intuitive. Accepts α DSLR A-mount lenses Using the LA-EA1 or LA-EA2 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of α A-mount system lenses, which includes 34 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply.9 Accepts image stabilized lenses The Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake. Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be remarkably thin and light. Anti-Dust Technology Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor. Dual Format Media Card Slot For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Memory card is required. All are sold separately). Accessory port Intelligent accessory port allows use of external flash, microphone and OLED EVF (all sold separately).

25-point Auto Focus 25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame. Multi-segment metering Optimizes exposure based on 1200 segments. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations. Manual Focus Assist Greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch the focus ring, making it easy to get razor-sharp images. Works with E-mount lenses only. Peaking for Precise Focus The Peaking function makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors ( white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where accurate focus can make or break your shot. P/A/S/M operating modes The NEX-F3 offers a full range of controls from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control for still image capture as well as movie mode too. iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization without leaving Auto Mode so you always get the best shot. Enhanced Tracking Focus Tracking Focus continuously tracks a user-designated subject and is now more effective at tracking people. If the subject turns away from the camera, face-detection tracking automatically switches to subject tracking and continues tracking. Auto Portrait Framing Simply photograph a person and Auto Portrait Framing will save an additional, optimally framed image in portrait or landscape orientation. Combining Face Detection and By Pixel Super Resolution technologies with rule of thirds, Auto Portrait Framing provides beautifully composed and appealingly balanced full resolution portraits. Photo Creativity interface The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression of SLR-quality digital imaging without complex jargon. Changes can be combined/ removed and viewed in real time on the LCD making it a breeze to make adjustments. Choose from seven different Photo Creativity functions using the convenient control wheel and center button including; Picture Effect, Background Defocus Control, Soft Skin Effect, Color, Brightness, Vividness, and Self-timer / Continuous Advance. Photo Creativity interface Picture Effect mode There are 11 types (15 variations) of picture effects to choose from: HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color (Green/Blue/Yellow/ Red), Pop Color, High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Posterization (B/W, Color), and Rich Monotone . Each is unique and each give you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos pop. Clear Image Zoom Utilizing Sony’s exclusive By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, Clear Image Zoom increases the effective focal length of your lens up to 2x by digitally magnifying the center of your image with nearly imperceptible degradation. It virtually doubles the effective focal length of whatever lens you’re using providing greater shooting flexibility. Interchangeable lenses Compatible with Sony’s E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for α compact interchangeable lens cameras. Opens up a world of creative options. Sweep Panorama™ Mode Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length). 3D Sweep Panorama™ Mode Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television3. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

Anti-Motion Blur mode Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur. Hand-held Twilight Mode Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise. Auto HDR built into camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.) Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off. “Background Defocus” control Cameras with APS-C sensors take beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That helps make your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography. But you’ve had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the Control Wheel one way for backgrounds in focus, the other for background defocus. Face Detection technology The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults. Smile Shutter™ technology Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter™ mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile sensitivity. Eight Scene Selection Modes Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise. Six Creative Style settings Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste. Index and Slide Show Display Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect. HDMI® output for HD viewing Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV.11 The camera includes an HDMI® output. In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television’s remote.6 Up to 470 Shots7 of battery life Take up to 470 shots on a single charge7 with Sony® lithium ion Stamina™ battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM® battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence. Powerful supplied software10 To help you refine and manage your images, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and PlayMemories Home™ software.10 Supplied accessories The kit includes a NP-FW50 Lithium ion rechargeable battery, AC-UB10 USB AC charger (in-camera battery charging), Mini-B USB cable, software CD and shoulder strap.

1.Records in up to 29 minutes segments.

3.Requires 3D HDTV, HDMI cable (at least 10.2 Gbps) and active 3D glasses sold sep.

5.Attaching Sony A-mount lens requires LA-EA1 (note: Autofocus available with SSM and SAM series lenses when using LA-EA1) or LA-EA2 adaptors (sold separately).

6.Compatible with BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ HDTVs connected via HDMI®.

7.Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.

8.Requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and cable sold sep.

9.Auto Focus function available with Sony E-Mount lenses and Sony A-mount SSM and SAM series lenses when using LA-EA1.

10.Files compatible with iMovie® '09 or later on Mac. Software not compatible with Mac OS® X.

11.Requires HDTV and HDMI cable sold sep.

© 2012 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, BIONZ, BRAVIA, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Duo, the Memory Stick logo, Optical SteadyShot, PlayMemories Home, Remote Commander, Smile Shutter, Stamina, Theatre Sync, TruBlack, Xtra Fine LCD, Sweep Panorama, and the Sony make.believe logo are trademarks of Sony. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS and iMovie are trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Sony is not responsible for typographical and photographical errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

 

		NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM® M Series Rechargeable Battery 8.4V typ. 11.8Wh (1650mAh)	NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery 7.2V typ. 8.5Wh (1180 mAh)
		NP-FM500H	NP-FW50
SLT-A99
SLT-A77
SLT-A65
SLT-A57
SLT-A37
		NP-FM500H	NP-FW50
NEX-7
NEX-6
NEX-5R
NEX-5N
NEX-F3

Product Description

The performance of a DSLR in about half the size and weight. With a new 180° tilt screen, the NEX-F3 with 18-55mm kit lens makes taking self-portraits easy and intuitive. Enjoy gorgeous HD movies,1 astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 5.5 fps, incredible panorama shots, and Live View on a 3.0-inch LCD.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 110 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent photos but a User Interface that needs improvement June 10, 2012

By S. Vogt

Style Name:With 18-55mm Lens| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

Picked this camera up at Best Buy. So instead of relying on Amazon you should definitely check and see if one of your local stores has it in stock.

Anyway, the first thing you will notice about this camera is that its a bit larger than its predecessor (and the 5N). I've heard a lot of the reviewers bemoan the fact that its a larger camera, I guess those folks like their cameras to feel extremely front-heavy? With the NEX-F3, the camera feels much more balanced and much more pleasant to hold and shoot with. Also, the deeper hand-grip up front and the placement of the shutter button are plusses as well. It's still quite compact, though.

On this camera, the battery charging is done in-camera like a cell phone. The camera takes a long time to charge though, from what I have noticed so far. The SD card has been separated from the battery slot but it still sits on the bottom of the camera. This can make it a real pain if trying to use a tripod.

The camera's weakest spot is its user interface. Sorry, I should not have to go digging in the menu system to change the ISO. And I should also be able to adjust the shutter speed and aperture while adjusting the focus area which I can't do on this camera. The system for changing settings on this camera is so menu driven that it might slightly irritate enthusiasts who want direct controls to quickly adjust settings. Basic direct access controls should not be a luxury Sony reserves for its more expensive cameras.

The LCD is bright and clear, and articulates. Although this one flips up so you can take self-portraits with it if that's your thing. When you flip up the LCD to face you and press the shutter, you get a 3-second countdown before it snaps a self-photo....

The video is excellent on this camera as is with most Sonys. I haven't played much with it other than shooting short clips but from what I have seen thus far it does really well. It doesn't have much of an enthusiast feature set though.

The camera has excellent image quality...on-par with its sub-$1,000 DSLRs peers. Even at ISO1600 you have to look very carefully to notice some effects of noise reduction and detail degredation. Sharpness and detail capture are excellent. The camera tends to underexpose a little but I would rather it do that than overexpose. The default color output is a little muted, but change the color setting to Vibrant and you get much punchier results (if you're the type of person that prefers more saturated colors). But if you're coming from a point and shoot or even an enthusiast compact, you will certainly notice the different in image quality with this camera. The 18-55 kit lens that it comes with is an okay performer. I think the 16-50 pancake zoom that just came out is a little bit better optically but as a starter lens, the 18-55mm lens is fine.

Shooting performance is top-notch, the AF is snappy even in low-light, and shot-to-shot times are good.

If you don't mind the quirky interface that this camera has, you'll find it to be an excellent performer otherwise. Excellent image quality, decent AF performance, and a comfortable shooting design. Read more ›

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Suits my needs June 26, 2012

By Joy A.

Style Name:With 18-55mm Lens| Color Name:Silver|Amazon Verified Purchase

I ordered The NEX F3 from Amazon and when I got it the LCD screen did not turn on. I contacted Sony and they told me to send it in for repair, so I just decided to return it to Amazon for a replacement. Amazon sent me a replacement the very next day and this time it worked. The NEX F3 suits me perfectly. I am not a professional photographer, just a mom who likes to take beautiful pictures, especially of her little kids, friends and I also take pictures at small events. I did not want a point and shoot camera, and I also did not want a compact system camera that looked like a point and shoot. After reading different reviews from professional websites, I decided to go with this one because I really like the way it feels in my hands and I also like the way it looks.(beautiful, sleek camera)
WHY I LIKE THIS CAMERA
Very easy to use
The auto portrait framing
180° tiltable 3.0" LCD for self portrait. (I like taking pictures of myself with my babies so this was very important for me)
Having a built in flash is also a plus.
The photo creativity interface, (the picture effective mode) My pictures look like it was taken by a professional. I used the SDHC EXTREME 16G C10 with this camera and it works very well and very fast.
I am very satisfied with this camera, I really love it.

105 of 126 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars What a nice performing camera but.................... June 24, 2012

By Geo. G.

Style Name:With 18-55mm Lens| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've had this camera for about three days. It is going back. The images it takes are excellent, the body size for me is just right (big hands), the zoom feature and the portrait framing are really nice features. The build seems to exude quality. Well, if it's such a great camera, why is it going back you ask? I took it out in the California sunshine at 10am and the LCD screen was so dim I couldn't see what I was supposed to be shooting. OK, so I change to the highest manual setting. Not much help although a little better. Still not very bright. So I change to the Sunny Weather setting; this should do it, right? Fraid not. The screen is still dimmer than my Panasonic FZ150 point and shoot. Is is practically impossible to compose a picture on a, what I consider to be poorly designed LCD screen. It is so reflective as to be almost mirrorlike. You have to shade the screen somehow and it still doesn't help much. The designers must never venture outside in the sunlight when they design/test the screens. It breaks my heart to send it back but you either pay another $350 for a viewfinder attachment or live with a camera where composition is a guess and by golly venture when you have no shade to hide in. I don't think the screen on my particular unit was defective, just a poorly designed part of the camera. The screen on my FZ150 was at least a third brighter and practically non-reflective compared to the F3. Sony should ask Panasonic how to design a screen. A gigantic screw up on an otherwise excellent camera! (Could it be a purposeful ploy to force you to shell out another $350 to buy the viewfinder?) I know this review may sound cynical but I really wanted to keep this little beauty but if you can't compose a picture, what good is the camera? I may have to spring for the SLT A57.

52 of 61 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars beats my old brick of a DSLR June 26, 2012

By Sonny

Style Name:With 18-55mm Lens| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm writing this review after putting my nikon D50 up for sale on ebay. A lot of reviews are going to focus on the fact that manual controls are hidden too deep inside the menu (which is true!), but those reviews are missing the point - that this camera makes good decisions so much of the time that you'll rarely, if ever need to choose the aperture or shutter speed.

What I like about the camera:
1) The flash is mounted on this bendable plastic prop that can be bent to face upwards. This means that instead of your flash whitewashing your subjects, you can have it bounce off the ceiling, giving pictures a far more natural look. This feature has actually made the flash a usable option for indoor photography.

2) The lcd screen flips out, allowing you to take the "me, my wife and the palm tree" pictures you've always wanted to take. You'll see some reviewers carping about how the screen doesn't do a 45-degree bend (like on the nex 5N) for overhead shots, but ignore them - the screen does bend enough for you to take overhead shots.

3) The superior auto mode is the star of the show, so I'm surprised it's not turned on by default. It's this feature that makes me appreciate how far cameras have come over the last 5 years. This mode does a very good job of guessing what you're trying to take a picture of (children, potted plants, gazelles) and applying the right shutter speed, aperture size, etc. This mode also enables auto-HDR, which does a great job bringing out detail in a high contrast picture.

4) This is actually the result of point 3), but the auto white balance on this camera is terrific! With my old nikon I had to constantly be adjusting the white balance, setting it using a grey card, etc. This camera nails the white balance each time!...

What I don't like:
There are some settings that seem to disappear if you power cycle the camera - like the picture effect, the "warmth" of the picture, etc. This can get annoying.
Overall, I have to say I'm quite pleased with the purchase. My nikon D50 used to be my camera of choice for the creative control it provided, but this is my new favorite, because it lets me spend more time taking pictures and less time fiddling with settings to get the picture right. Read more ›