The Sony Alpha NEX-F3 Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens is not a point-and-shoot and not a DSLR, but it holds its place in the market, intriguing those who want the flexibility that interchangeable lenses and numerous manual and creative features can give them, without having to lug around a huge DSLR body. The body is packaged along with an 18-55mm Sony lens, allowing you to start shooting right from day one.

Size aside, the Alpha NEX-F3 embodies a number of features that make it a worthy option for any connoisseur of digital cameras. First and foremost would be the 16.1Mp APS-C CMOS sensor. With 16.1Mp, your images will have lush color and impressive detail. Your options for making enlarged prints are boundless as well. Sony's Exmor APS HD CMOS technology works together with the BIONZ image processor for excellent low light sensitivity and a distinct lack of sensor noise. On the back of the body is a 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD that boasts Sony's TruBlack screen which suppresses internal reflections. This LCD also tilts down 45° and up 80° for framing hard-to-get shots.

In addition to capturing still images, the NEX-F3's video capabilities do not disappoint. In addition to versatility in lens options, along with a small form-factor, the HD video capture is right up there in importance. Video can be recorded at 1920 x 1080 in a number of frame rates, including 60p and 24p. The camera also uses the AVCHD codec for high-quality capture, and the MP4 codec for easy upload to the Internet. The camera also sports an HDMI output for one-cable sharing of your favorite videos on the big screen (AKA: your HDTV).

When it comes to what lenses the NEX-F3 takes, Sony made it compatible with their E-Mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for Alpha compact interchangeable lens cameras. Using optional LA-EA1 and EA2 adapters you can also attach A-Mount lenses to the camera as well. The LA-EA2 also provides Phase Detection AF as well. The mirror built-in between the two mounts directs a small portion of light to the phase detection AF sensor in the bottom of the unit, making this feature available to you when the adapter is connected.

As for shooting options and modes, the NEX-F3 has a number of them. First up is the 5.5 frames per second burst shooting mode, at the camera's full 16.1Mp resolution. This mode enables great sports and kids photos. Another notable feature is Photo Creativity Touch. This mode allows you to be creative with your photos in-camera, right on the LCD screen, in real time. Sweep Panorama and 3D Sweep Panorama modes allow for capture of scenic vistas and 16:9 (wide angle) shots as panoramas and in wondrous 3D, respectively. Among the other features you'll find Object Tracking AF, Auto HDR, Intelligent Auto Focus, iAUTO mode, and many others.

18-55mm Zoom Lens Included

With the included 18-55mm zoom lens you'll have a great all-purpose lens to get you started, right from day one

16.1 Megapixel resolution

Thanks to the 16.1 megapixel APS-C sensor, and Sony Exmor APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise. So you get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements

APS-C Size HD Image Sensor

The same sensor format that Sony builds into the full-sized DSLRs--with 13 times the area of the typical point-and-shoot image sensor--APS-C makes the difference between "snapshots" and "photographs," delivering an exceptional combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and gorgeous, blurred backgrounds

Full HD 1080 / 60i / 24p Video

Record super smooth 1080 Full HD Video in either 60i or 24p frames per second. Records in your choice of 1080/60i or 24p AVCHD format, or in PC-friendly 1080/30p MP4 format

3.0" Tiltable LCD

180° tiltable 3.0" Xtra Fine LCD screen for easy self portraits

Photo Creativity interface

The Photo Creativity interface enables you to easily enjoy the creative expression of SLR-quality digital imaging. Changes can be combined/removed and viewed in real time on the LCD making it a breeze to make adjustments. Choose from seven different Photo Creativity functions using the convenient control wheel and center button: Picture Effect, Background Defocus Control, Soft Skin Effect, Color, Brightness, Vividness, and Self-timer / Continuous Advance

Auto Portrait Framing

Simply photograph a person and Auto Portrait Framing will save an additional, optimally framed image in portrait or landscape orientation. Combining Face Detection and By Pixel Super Resolution technologies with rule of thirds, Auto Portrait Framing provides beautifully composed and appealingly balanced full resolution portraits

Picture Effect mode

There are 11 types (15 variations) of picture effects to choose from: Posterization (Color), Posterization (B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R), Partial Color (G), Partial Color (B), Partial Color (Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key , Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Mono, Miniature. Each is unique, giving you a new and exciting way to make your images and videos stand out

Clear Image Zoom

Utilizing Sony's exclusive By Pixel Super Resolution Technology, Clear Image Zoom increases the effective focal length of your lens up to 2x by digitally magnifying the center of your image with nearly imperceptible degradation. It virtually doubles the effective focal length of whatever lens you're using providing greater shooting flexibility

Built-in flash

Perfect when an extra burst of light is needed to get the shot, the built-in flash combines with high ISO sensitivity to enable shooting in just about any setting

Interchangeable lenses

Compatible with Sony's E-mount series of smaller, lighter lenses designed specifically for compact interchangeable lens cameras--opening up a world of creative options

Up to 5.5 frames per second

Capture the decisive moment in sports and get the ideal baby photo. Up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting at full 16.1 MP resolution with exposure and focus fixed at the first frame. Standard continuous shooting at up to 2.5 fps

ISO 16000 sensitivity

Capture incredibly clear low-light pictures without sacrificing detail. The excellent ISO performance is made possible by a low-noise Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and refined BIONZ image processor

3D Sweep Panorama Mode

Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your 3D television4. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats

Sweep Panorama™ Mode

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter, sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size. Up to 202 degrees maximum sweep angle (16mm focal length)

Anti-Motion Blur mode

Corrects for subject movement to capture amazingly clean and sharp images in low light. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image that minimizes subject blur

Hand-held Twilight Mode

Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures--beyond the capability of traditional cameras--without using flash or a tripod. The camera leverages the large, APS-C image sensor and captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six creates a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise

Auto HDR built into camera

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining the best highlight detail from one shot and the best shadow detail from another for one incredible shot. Until recently, you needed a computer and editing software. Sony builds HDR in. Handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. Captures in a split second

Live View LCD

The LCD monitor is active full-time for composing shots. Provides a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100% framing accuracy, plus informative on-screen displays

Tiltable 3" LCD screen

Empowers your photography with a different point of view. Tilts down 13° and up 180° to frame high- and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit-or-miss

921K pixel TruBlack LCD screen

Sony's Xtra Fine LCD monitor features a TruBlack screen that includes a special resin layer to suppress internal reflections, increase contrast compared to conventional LCDs. Sunny Weather mode boosts visibility even further in bright sunlight

Intelligent Auto Focus

Pre-focuses as you compose the shot, further reducing focusing time to a bare minimum

iAUTO (Intelligent Auto) mode

Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies. Takes advantage of Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection technology, and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization without leaving Auto Mode so you always get the best shot

On-screen Help Guide

Provides a ready-reference that explains the camera's modes and settings. It walks through the camera's operation so you get the best shot. Helps you advance from basic operation to greater sophistication

Control Wheel + Customizable Soft Keys

Unlike cameras that bristle with knobs, buttons and dials, the NEX-F3 features a simple turn-and-click Control Wheel and context-sensitive Soft Keys. It's elegant, uncluttered and intuitive

BIONZ image processor

The brain of the camera is a refined version of Sony's BIONZ image processor. Its chroma noise reduction delivers high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 16000 sensitivity. Also enables fast processing for up to 5.5 fps continuous shooting of data-intensive 16.1 megapixel images, 2D / 3D Sweep Panorama modes and 6 image layering

Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO)

Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off

Accepts Alpha DSLR A-mount lenses

Using the LA-EA1 or LA-EA2 adaptor (sold separately), you can attach the full selection of A-mount system lenses, which includes 34 current models and an installed base of millions of lenses worldwide. Operational restrictions apply

25-point Auto Focus

25 sensors cover a very wide area of the scene, for accurate focusing even when the subject is far from the center of the frame

Multi-segment metering

Optimizes exposure based on 49 segments. Choice of Multi, Center and Spot metering accommodates a full range of shooting situations

Manual Focus Assist

Greatly magnifies the viewfinder image when you touch the focus ring, making it easy to get razor-sharp images. Works with E-mount lenses only

Peaking for Precise Focus

The Peaking function makes precise manual focusing much easier by highlighting the edges that are in focus in your choice of three colors (white, red, or yellow). This is especially helpful during macro or portrait photography where your focal plane can make or break your shot

RAW image capture

The NEX-F3 saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files. RAW files save images prior to compression, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC

"Background Defocus" control

Cameras with APS-C sensors take beautiful pictures because they can blur the background. That helps make your subject stand out as the center of attention in portrait photography. But you've had to know about aperture f-stops and shutter speeds. Now Sony makes it easy. Simply turn the Control Wheel one way for backgrounds in focus, the other for background defocus

Accepts image stabilized lenses

Selected E-mount lenses incorporate Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to combat the effects of camera shake. Building stabilization into the lenses enables the camera body to be remarkably thin and light

Powerful supplied software

To help you refine and manage your images, the camera is equipped with computer software including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and PlayMemories Home software

Face Detection technology

The camera can automatically detect up to eight individual faces and adjust focus, exposure, white balance and flash to help deliver crisp, properly lit images of family and friends. Can prioritize children or adults

Smile Shutter Technology

Captures a smile the moment it happens. Simply select the Smile Shutter mode and the camera takes the picture automatically. You can prioritize children or adults and adjust the smile sensitivity

HDMI® output for HD viewing

Enjoy HD movies and stunning still images on a compatible HDTV. The camera includes an HDMI output. In addition, the BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs enabling you to control camera playback using the television's remote

Eight Scene Selection Modes

These help you get the shot by optimizing the camera for specific shooting situations. Select from Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Twilight modes

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste

P/A/S/M operating modes

The NEX-F3 offers a full range of controls from the beginner's iAUTO mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS sensor clean, resulting in consistently clear pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor's low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor

Up to 470 Shots of battery life

Take up to 470 shots on a single charge with Sony lithium-ion Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence

Dual Format Media Card Slot

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD / SDHC media. Class 4 or higher cards are recommended--memory card is required and sold separately

Index and Slide Show Display

Quickly review your photos using 6- or 12-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect

• E-Mount SEL 1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens for Alpha NEX Cameras (Silver)
• NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery (1080mAh)
• Alpha AC Charger for W Series Battery
• Shoulder Strap
• USB Cable (Mini B)