Sony NEX-3N review

World's smallest and lightest APS-C CSC

Sony NEX-3N review
The Sony NEX-3N is a small CSC

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Although the standard kit lens only has a maximum aperture of f/3.5, you can still achieve creative shallow depth of field effects thanks to the Sony NEX-3N's large, APS-C sized sensor.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The Sony NEX-3N's noise performance at high sensitivity settings, such as ISO 2500 in this shot, is impressive. When zooming into the image to 100% you can see evidence of some smoothing, but detail is otherwise retained very well.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Struggling slightly in the mixed lighting conditions of this shot, the Sony NEX-3N has favoured slightly warm tones when shooting with the Automatic White Balance setting. You can alter this to a more specific scenario if the camera has difficulty.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The amount of detail resolved by the Sony NEX-3N is good - view the full resolution image to see how it coped.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Sweep Panorama mode enables you to capture wide vistas simply by sweeping the camera across the scene. The camera processes the image for you so you don't have to worry about stitching in post-processing.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Several impressive digital filters are available on the Sony NEX-3N. These filters can't be shot when shooting in raw format, so if you change your mind you're stuck with them. Some are more interesting than others, and of course they're all down to personal preference. This is the high contrast black and white setting.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

Some of the filters have different customisable options. Toy Camera for instance has different toning options - this is the Cool setting.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

This is the Toy Camera setting with Magenta Toning applied.

Sony NEX-3N review

Click here to see the full resolution image

The Pop Colour filter boosts colours and contrast and suits subjects where you want to emphasise the colour.

TOPICS
Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

Latest in DSLRs
Nikon Df DSLR camera on a wooden surface by large window, with dusk light
Forget Fujifilm, I've retested 2013's Nikon Df DSLR and it's the ultimate retro camera for these 6 reasons
Monochrome image of a distant wind farm alongside a Canon DSLR camera in the hand with black background
You don't really need a new camera – a $200,000 photo prize was just won with this old Canon DSLR
Photographer holding the Nikon D800 DSLR camera up to their eye while leaning on a tree trunk surrounded by bluebells
I used my DSLR for the first time in years since switching to mirrorless – here are four things I learned
Two cameras sitting next to each other on a wooden table
If DSLR cameras are dead, why are they still so popular? Here are 5 reasons
Prouct photo of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome with a 16-50mm f/2.8 attached
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: one love
Canon EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens attached on red background beside a lowest ever price text
This Canon beginner DSLR is so cheap right now it might even tempt you away from mirrorless
Latest in Reviews
WWE 2K25
I've spent days in the ring with WWE 2K25, and it's like a five-star match ruined by the Million Dollar Man
Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro electric toothbrush
Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro review: A powerful seven-mode, Swiss-made sonic brush
Atelier Yumia
I was already sold on Atelier Yumia as an RPG, but I wasn’t expecting it to have my favorite crafting system in all of gaming
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
PLAUD NOTE
I tested this AI voice recorder, and now I'll never take meeting notes manually again
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people