The two cameras Sony introduced recently are close in price: about $700 for the SLT-A35 and $650 for the NEX-C3. And they both have interchangeable lenses, though neither is a traditional SLR. But they should appeal to users with differing needs. Which would work best for you?
Camera 1: The SLT-A35
The SLT-A35 (also known as ?35) interchangeable lens camera will be in stores as of August 2011. The $700 model comes with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens. You can buy a body-only model for $600.
The SLT-A35 shoots both still photos and HD video. If you’re relatively new to digital photography, you may appreciate the camera’s on-screen Help Guide. Select a function and the guide will explain how to use it. More experienced shooters may prefer the button on top of the camera that they can program to instantly evoke 14 functions.
The SLT-A35 has a new Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting features, which magnifies a central portion of the image area, providing an effective 1.4x magnification, while shooting at up to 7 fps. There’s also a 5.5 fps burst mode. Its sensor is capable of 16.2 effective megapixels, and its ISO range goes up to 12800. There’s a 3-inch LCD.
Camera 2: The NEX-C3
The NEX-C3, which will also ship in August, is a smaller digital camera than the SLT-A35–it weighs just 8 ounces! With an 18-55mm kit zoom lens, it will priced around $650.
It also captures still photos and HD video using a 16.2MP sensor. Depending on your level of familiarity with photo terminology, you can choose from a “Photo Creativity interface” that uses words such as “brightness” instead of “exposure value’; or you can stick with the customary Aperture/Shutter Priority and Manual controls.
For those who want to add effects in-camera, an instant LCD preview of the effects will be welcome. Effect options include Partial Color, Retro Photo, Pop Color, High Contrast Monochrome, Posterization, High-key, Soft Skin, and Toy Camera. The 3-inch LCD is tiltable, always a handy feature.
This article was last modified on December 14, 2022
This article was first published on June 9, 2011
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