I’ve really enjoyed my Sony NEX-5 mirrorless camera. Since I wrote up my review in September, I’ve used it frequently. Sony recently posted a major firmware update which addressed many of the usability concerns I (and many others) had as well.
My only concern is that the NEX-5 is somewhat expensive, starting at $649 with the “pancake” lens and $699 with the telephoto zoom. Now there’s some relief on the price: Amazon is offering the “little brother” NEX-3 for just $499 or $549, a $50 discount from list price!
Read my Sony NEX-5 Camera Review for more about this camera!
The NEX-3 is very similar to the NEX-5:
- The main difference is a slightly-larger plastic body on the NEX-3 instead of the slimmer and lighter magnesium body on the NEX-5
- The NEX-3 lacks the NEX-5’s infrared receiver for a remote shutter release
- Unlike the NEX-5, the NEX-3 cannot shoot video in AVCHD format
That’s about it. Seriously, the NEX-3 is a really great camera, and $550 with the 18-55 mm zoom is a killer deal. If you’re trying to economize, I’d skip the 16 mm pancake lens even though it’s $50 cheaper. The telephoto zoom is a must-have, while the wide prime is merely handy.
Note: Some of these links include affiliate codes that help pay for this blog. For example, buying an Amazon Kindle with this link sends a few bucks my way! But I don't write this blog to make money, and am happy to link to sites and stores that don't pay anything. I like Amazon and buy tons from them, but you're free to buy whatever and wherever you want.