Skip to product overview

Sony NEX-C3 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony NEX-C3 is a 16MP APS-C mirrorless camera — with Full HD (1080p) video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Sony NEX-C3 Mirrorless Camera

Sony NEX-C3 Mirrorless Camera

Get notified when one lists.

We'll text or email you the moment a Sony NEX-C3 is listed on GearFocus.

Have a Sony NEX-C3 sitting in your bag?

You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.

Sell your Sony NEX-C3 on GearFocus

Camera Overview — Sony NEX-C3

The Sony NEX-C3 is a compact mirrorless camera built around a 16MP APS-C sensor paired with Sony's BIONZ image processor. Weighing just 225g and measuring 110 x 60 x 33mm in a plastic body, it's designed for shooters who want interchangeable lens flexibility without the bulk of a traditional DSLR. The camera covers an ISO range of 100 to 12800, giving reasonable latitude across varied lighting conditions.

Burst shooting tops out at 5.5fps, which is capable for everyday action and candid work. Autofocus relies on a contrast-detection system with 25 focus points, though it lacks eye-tracking or subject-tracking capabilities. On the back, a 3.0-inch tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology delivers 921,000 dots of resolution — a genuinely strong display for its era.

Video is capped at 720p at 30fps. Storage is handled by SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The camera has no built-in flash, but ships with an external mini flash that connects via the accessory port.

There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and no in-body image stabilization — stabilization depends entirely on compatible lenses. A Mini HDMI (Type C) output is available for external display. The NP-FW50 battery is rated for approximately 400 shots per charge under CIPA testing conditions.

Key Features — Sony NEX-C3

16MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Captures images at up to 4912x3264 resolution with a 1.5x crop factor, delivering detail well suited to everyday and enthusiast photography.

BIONZ Image Processor: Sony's BIONZ engine handles noise reduction and image rendering across the full ISO 100–12800 sensitivity range.

5.5fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 5.5 frames per second makes it capable for capturing candid moments and moderate action.

3.0-Inch Tilting LCD: The 921,000-dot TFT Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology tilts for easier framing from low or high angles.

Compact, Lightweight Body: At 225g and 110 x 60 x 33mm, the NEX-C3 offers interchangeable lens versatility in a form factor small enough for daily carry.

Sony E-Mount Compatible: Works with the full range of Sony E-mount lenses, including both compact primes and zoom lenses suited to APS-C and full-frame sensors.

Camera Specifications — Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-C3 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel, Beginner-Friendly
TypeMirrorless
SensorAPS-C
Resolution16MP
ProcessorBIONZ
ISO Range100 – 12800
AF SystemContrast Detection, Face Detection AF
AF Points25
Max Photo Resolution4912x3264
Burst Rate5.5 fps
Max Video ResolutionFull HD (1080p)
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Sony NEX-C3

The Sony NEX-C3 mirrorless camera pairs a 16MP APS-C sensor with a BIONZ image processor inside a remarkably compact plastic body measuring 110 x 60 x 33mm and weighing just 225g. The ISO range spans 100 to 12800, and the camera is capable of 5.5fps burst shooting for capturing fast-moving moments. Autofocus is handled by a contrast-detection system with 25 focus points.

The 3.0-inch tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack panel at 921,000 dots is a standout feature for composing and reviewing shots. Video recording tops out at 720p at 30fps. Storage options include SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

Connectivity includes USB and Mini HDMI (Type C) output. There is no built-in flash, but an external mini flash is included and attaches via the accessory port. The camera ships with an NP-FW50 battery rated at approximately 400 shots per charge (CIPA).

A wide selection of color profiles and 11 Picture Effects artistic looks offer creative flexibility straight from the camera.

Pros — Sony NEX-C3

  • ✓Compact and lightweight at 225g with dimensions of 110 x 60 x 33mm, making it easy to carry daily
  • ✓16MP APS-C sensor with BIONZ processing and an ISO range of 100–12800
  • ✓5.5fps burst shooting offers solid continuous capture for a compact mirrorless

Cons — Sony NEX-C3

  • ✗Video limited to 720p at 30fps with no higher resolution options
  • ✗Contrast-detection AF with 25 points only — no eye-tracking or subject-tracking
  • ✗No built-in flash; relies on included external mini flash via accessory port

Reviews — Sony NEX-C3

Videos — Sony NEX-C3

The BEST Sony Starter Camera For LESS Than $100! — Tom Calton

Resources & Downloads — Sony NEX-C3

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Sony NEX-C3

Does the Sony NEX-C3 have a viewfinder?+
No, the NEX-C3 does not include a viewfinder of any kind. Framing and playback are handled entirely through the 3.0-inch tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD with TruBlack technology, which resolves 921,000 dots.
What memory cards does the NEX-C3 support?+
The NEX-C3 accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, giving you flexibility in choosing storage media.
Does the NEX-C3 have image stabilization?+
The NEX-C3 does not have in-body image stabilization, and digital IS is also absent. Stabilization is lens-based, so it depends on whether the attached lens includes its own stabilization system.
What is the maximum video resolution on the NEX-C3?+
The NEX-C3 records video at a maximum resolution of 720p at 30fps. It also supports 30fps at VGA resolution. There is no 1080p recording option.
Does the NEX-C3 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?+
No, the NEX-C3 includes neither Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth. For file transfer, you will need to use a USB connection or remove the memory card directly. A Mini HDMI (Type C) port is available for connecting to external displays.
What battery does the NEX-C3 use and how long does it last?+
The NEX-C3 uses an NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, rated for approximately 400 shots per charge under CIPA standard testing conditions.

Similar to Sony NEX-C3

Loading similar products...