Sony NEX-C3 w/18-55 lens for $456 (+ tax depending on location) @ Micro Center

Quote from sdallnct : I just don't get, getting a compact mirrorless camera and then sticking some giant zoom on it.

Indeed, you can keep a pancake lens on it most of the time and enjoy the smaller size, and in the event you want to do some long distance shooting, you can pop the zoom lens on there -- the beauty is that the mirrorless cameras are flexible, i.e. small when you need it, but still able to act like a full-sized DSLR when that need arises. If you buy DSLR, you are stuck with that size always.

Quote from slickska : just got 1 with 16mm lens at BHphoto for $519

The body with the 16mm kit lens should have cost less than this one with the 18-55mm ($50 in MSRP terms). :/

Quote from travfar : Dude, it's not giant. It's the same size as a non collapsable M43 zoom. It's just the NEX body is so small. If you pocketability, I would go RX100.

Ive already considered the RX 100. But for non-interchangeable lens, I'm not impressed with the lens itself. For one, only goes to 28mm. Yes, fast, but at "tele" a rather slow lens. And the tele only goes to 100. I'm not a fan of mega zooms, nut on a premium camera like that I think you got to go to 24mm and at least to 125. And I hate that bragging of it being at "super fast" lens at 1.8, but then it is a somewhat slow (for a premium camera) 4.9 by the time it gets to 100.

There are some things I really like about the the rx100. If it sold for $400 instead of $600 I'd be all over it. But at $600 that lens kills it for me.

Quote from slickska : just got 1 with 16mm lens at BHphoto for $519 new f3 is $600 but i dont like how its bigger than the c3 its for the wife so this is the perfect carmera with the small 16mm lens and can still take good pics

Currently that is about the best deal. I'll probably jump on one when they get below $500. Be sure and look at/pick up the .75 adapter specifically made for that lens. Good reviews. Compact. And only like a $100. It seems to be a "must have" accessory if you have that lens.

Quote from B1gSL1cK : Indeed, you can keep a pancake lens on it most of the time and enjoy the smaller size, and in the event you want to do some long distance shooting, you can pop the zoom lens on there -- the beauty is that the mirrorless cameras are flexible, i.e. small when you need it, but still able to act like a full-sized DSLR when that need arises. If you buy DSLR, you are stuck with that size always. The body with the 16mm kit lens should have cost less than this one with the 18-55mm ($50 in MSRP terms). :/

Exactly! Love the versatility including the ability to work well with my legacy Nikon lenses.

Oddly just about everyone is selling the kit w/16mm for more than with the zoom. Odd because reviews feel the 16mm isn't the sharpest lens in their inventory. Many are preferring the Sigma 19mm. However, physically it is a lot bigger lens.

For 75% of what I shoot the c3, 16mm + .75 adapter would be about the idea set up. DSLR quality pics, compact, lots of control, and not overly expensive (compared to premium cameras). Plus the ability to work well with my Nikon 24mm f/2.8, 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 is a really nice bonus.

How does C3 compare with N5/F3 in terms of picture quality?
I know N5 comes with touchscreen etc other than hardware difference , for family/kids photo portraits which one is better.

FYI, the NEX C3 zoom kit is also available for $430 + tax at some Fry's in store locations.

Quote from cheaplikeafox : FYI, the NEX C3 zoom kit is also available for $430 + tax at some Fry's in store locations.

Same as this deal if you get it online without tax. While the F3 is replacing the C3, I think the limited advantages of the F3 are causing people to snatch up the C3 at a lower price, and stock in most stores is dwindling, even without major price drops. I saw Sears is carrying the zoom kit for $500, Amazon and their partners are sticking at $600.

That said, my camera shipped yesterday from Microcenter. Beforehand, I received a call to confirm my shipping address, and asked to make sure the camera was in stock and that it would be shipped within the promised timeframe. She mentioned there were 4 in stock in their warehouse (which would make 3 I guess after mine shipped) so if you wanted to get in on this deal, I suggest doing it sooner than later. I bit because I don't think prices will drop much further as stock seems to be quickly depleting and/or the stores were able to return the cameras to Sony for credit, and the F3 will soon be the only $600 choice.

Quote from dar_p : How does C3 compare with N5/F3 in terms of picture quality? I know N5 comes with touchscreen etc other than hardware difference , for family/kids photo portraits which one is better.

Overall the pq is similar. The c3 and 5n uses exactly the same sensor. Very slight edge to the 5n in in some specific cases due to very slightly upgraded software.

The f3 uses a newer sensor but same size. Early reviews show similar pic quality. Which is not a bad thing as the c3 and 5n have excellent pic quality.

Do be aware the rlacement for the 5n is on the way.

Personally if buying now and wanting the best pic quality above all other factors, go 5n. Some like me like the smaller lighter, c3. Others like the handling of the bigger grip on the other two. And some might like having the flash built in on the f3.

Still seeing 2 in stock at Tustin/Orange County location (B&M only). Adding to cart showing $450, so 6 bucks less than OP.

I've owned/purchased for others a few of these NEX cams since they were introduced, including this model. I happen to think this C3 is one of the sharpest models that I've seen in the bunch, picture quality wise. A good snag if you want something that's practically DSLR quality without all the DSLR bulk. A bit bigger than a point and shoot but blows them all out of the water with it's DSLR size APS-C sensor. Recommended.

Quote from Jeadm : Still seeing 2 in stock at Tustin/Orange County location (B&M only). Adding to cart showing $450, so 6 bucks less than OP. I've owned/purchased for others a few of these NEX cams since they were introduced, including this model. I happen to think this C3 is one of the sharpest models that I've seen in the bunch, picture quality wise. A good snag if you want something that's practically DSLR quality without all the DSLR bulk. A bit bigger than a point and shoot but blows them all out of the water with it's DSLR size APS-C sensor. Recommended.

What lens are you using. I'm pretty sure I want the 16mm. But if I can't find a deal I'll get one with the zoom. Then I'll have the choice of Sony 16mm or Sigma 19mm. Tho I'd probably still stick to the 16mm for the physical size and ability to add that .75 adapter.

Quote from sdallnct : What lens are you using. I'm pretty sure I want the 16mm. But if I can't find a deal I'll get one with the zoom. Then I'll have the choice of Sony 16mm or Sigma 19mm. Tho I'd probably still stick to the 16mm for the physical size and ability to add that .75 adapter.

I'm just using the kit zoom 18-55. I have full dslr gear for all the various focal lengths and just felt I needed this cam to be as versatile as it could be, so size wasn't really an issue (and I honestly don't believe it's all that big anyway, but with the kit lens it definitely isn't pocketable in the point and shoot sense). Since e-mount lenses are pricey I didn't want to invest a whole lot in the platform. But I have all that good good slr gear to fall back on. If this was your only gear or were inclined to spend more then that might work for you.

I would find the fixed 16mm limiting myself (24mm full frame equivalent). I would imagine that it wouldn't be particularly flattering on your subjects that your shooting. And yet, at the same time not wide enough to be effective as a landscape lens. If you went with the 16mm you'd likely end up wanting another more focally versatile lens IMO. Other than the larger aperture and small size the benefits of the 16mm are lost on me, though I'm sure someone else likes it.

Quote from Jeadm : I'm just using the kit zoom 18-55. I have full dslr gear for all the various focal lengths and just felt I needed this cam to be as versatile as it could be, so size wasn't really an issue (and I honestly don't believe it's all that big anyway, but with the kit lens it definitely isn't pocketable in the point and shoot sense). Since e-mount lenses are pricey I didn't want to invest a whole lot in the platform. But I have all that good good slr gear to fall back on. If this was your only gear or were inclined to spend more then that might work for you. I would find the fixed 16mm limiting myself (24mm full frame equivalent). I would imagine that it wouldn't be particularly flattering on your subjects that your shooting. And yet, at the same time not wide enough to be effective as a landscape lens. If you went with the 16mm you'd likely end up wanting another more focally versatile lens IMO. Other than the larger aperture and small size the benefits of the 16mm are lost on me, though I'm sure someone else likes it.

Interesting. I think the 16mm + .75 adapter would be about idea for street shooting, low light, parties, restaurants, bars, etc.I mean it is arguable the main reason for getting the NEX is low light. So the fast 16mm would add to that. If low light shooting wasn't important, I would think a 4/3 camera would be a better choice. Even smaller, more lenses and depending on exact model very comparable pq. But with the smaller sensor none can compare to the low light/high ISO shooting of the NEX.

No I wouldn't shoot portraits with the 16mm, but I wouldn't with any wide angle lens. And at = 24 that is pretty wide. Plus the .75 adapter for it gets great reviews for only $100. Heck that is why I have completely scratched off the new RX100....what a crappy lens to put on a premium camera. Only goes to 28mm? Sure fast 1.8 at 28 but just plain slow 4.9 at tele and the tele only goes to 100.

Anyway....I do play on getting both the zoom and 16mm. So I'll likely go get this at Microcenter and then pick up the 16mm for $200. That will give me both for $650 which is a good deal. I'll add the Nikon adapter and use my Nikon lenses (24, 50 & 85) till more e-series lenses come this fall and spring. But adding in the .75mm adapter will give me quite a range. W/the 16mm it should fit in a sport coat or light jacket pocket. W/zoom it will have to be a shoulder camera.

I did pick this up at Microcenter. They had the black and silver in stock, got the black.

I first went and played with the newer F3. Love the 180 screen. And the grip makes it feel more like a DSLR. However, it is noticeably bigger and heavier. I also like the built in flash. The cost was the same, it would be a tough call. But at $150 less, it was a no brainier for me. You do need to hold the C3 slightly different. But still comfy. I can't wait to order the 16mm. Tho the zoom isn't as big as I thought it would be. And nice touch to come with a lens hood and cap that works with the hood.

Can't comment on pq. The battery had no charge at all. Which is a shape as I spent the day in the DC area.

can you explain bit more and link to what the .75 adapter is? thanks.

Quote from sdallnct : Interesting. I think the 16mm + .75 adapter would be about idea for street shooting, low light, parties, restaurants, bars, etc.I mean it is arguable the main reason for getting the NEX is low light. So the fast 16mm would add to that. If low light shooting wasn't important, I would think a 4/3 camera would be a better choice. Even smaller, more lenses and depending on exact model very comparable pq. But with the smaller sensor none can compare to the low light/high ISO shooting of the NEX. No I wouldn't shoot portraits with the 16mm, but I wouldn't with any wide angle lens. And at = 24 that is pretty wide. Plus the .75 adapter for it gets great reviews for only $100. Heck that is why I have completely scratched off the new RX100....what a crappy lens to put on a premium camera. Only goes to 28mm? Sure fast 1.8 at 28 but just plain slow 4.9 at tele and the tele only goes to 100. Anyway....I do play on getting both the zoom and 16mm. So I'll likely go get this at Microcenter and then pick up the 16mm for $200. That will give me both for $650 which is a good deal. I'll add the Nikon adapter and use my Nikon lenses (24, 50 & 85) till more e-series lenses come this fall and spring. But adding in the .75mm adapter will give me quite a range. W/the 16mm it should fit in a sport coat or light jacket pocket. W/zoom it will have to be a shoulder camera.

can you tell that much difference between a nex camera and a micro4/3rds with low light photography for 5x7 pictures though? I would think it would look pretty comparable, but I don't have experience with those 2.

Quote from cheaplikeafox : can you tell that much difference between a nex camera and a micro4/3rds with low light photography for 5x7 pictures though? I would think it would look pretty comparable, but I don't have experience with those 2.

From what I have read, the 4/3 don't come close in low light or high ISO to the NEX (or other camera with a similar sized sensor). In bright light and low ISO, some feel the 4/3 are of similar quality depending on model.

I love taking my camera to resturants, bars, night shooting, etc. So locked in The NEX pretty quickly. But I set a hard $500 limit (preferably $400). So I thought I would end up with a 4/3 or premium camera with no interchangeable lens. But then found this deal and went for it. I've only played so far. But love the size.

Now shopping for all the acessories