Sony Alpha NEX-F3 First Impressions Review

Design & Appearance

When you put the NEX-C3 and NEX-F3 side-by-side, one thing is immediately apparent: the F3 has put on a few pounds over the winter. The F3's grip protrudes slightly further than the C3, better accommodating the hand, especially when using longer zoom lenses. The change also results in a repositioning of the shutter release button, with it now shaped in a way that better aligns with your index finger while shooting.

Beyond that, the NEX-F3 is very similar to previous NEX cameras. It features unlabeled soft keys alongside the rear articulated LCD, with the function for the keys called out on the screen itself. In addition, there's a rear scroll wheel that is your primary method of interacting with the camera. The camera's LCD screen has also undergone some changes, with the ability to now swing until it faces all the way forward, toward your subject.

Beyond those small changes, the NEX-F3 fits right in alongside its NEX peers, with a modern, sleek design. It doesn't have the plush feel or built-in electronic viewfinder of the NEX-7, but it certainly should give those shopping for the NEX-5N some pause.

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