Introduction

The best things come in small packages with comically large lenses. The Alpha NEX-C3 is Sony's entry-level compact mirrorless system camera, and the best way for casual photographers to step up from a point-and-shoot or smartphone to a proper sharpshooter.

Its sleek body and simplified control scheme are designed to feel comfortable for novices, but the big 16.2-megapixel APS-C sensor packs a punch in line with traditional DSLRs from Canon or Nikon.

Sony has an aggressive replacement schedule, so we wouldn't be surprised if the NEX-C3 gets replaced sometime this summer. But until that announcement comes, and even in anticipation of a C3 price drop, let's take a look at what makes it the bang for the buck in the mirrorless category.

The Sony NEX-C3 is available now in silver and pink shades for an MSRP of $599.99, including an 18-55mm kit lens (street prices are significantly lower).