Sony TidBits (with new Sony NEX-C3 reviews)
Sony α55 DSLR with Glidecam HD-2000 steadicam (Click here to get the Glidecam on eBay).
Full Sony NEX-C3 review at Photoreview Australia: “Although the NEX-C3′s grip is slightly better than on the NEX-3, it’s not nearly as comfortable as on the NEX-5. It forces you to pull your index finger back to trigger the shutter, instead of positioning it comfortably above the shutter button…We’re not sure why Sony has restricted the ISO range in this way when the sensor is clearly capable of covering a wider range. It’s most puzzling to see the lower end of the sensitivity scale not being fully exploited…Differences between JPEG and raw files were less than we’re accustomed to seeing, probably as a result of using the supplied raw file converter. Resolution remained high throughout the camera’s sensitivity range, with a gradual decline across the sensitivity range. ”
Also CNET US tested the NEX-C3: “Compact and attractive, with a tilting LCD and excellent photo quality, the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 has some compelling aspects. But with the 18-55mm lens the camera becomes substantially less compact, there’s no EVF option, and the video capabilities are more limited than I’d expect for the price. A lot of people will like the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 for its excellent photo quality and a now more usable design, but it can get unexpectedly heavy with the zoom E-mount lenses, and it’s still a bit more expensive than many point-and-shoot upgraders will like.”
The NEX-C3 will be soon in Stock in non asian countries too. Preorder it at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay (Click on the shop names to visit the search page).
That’s a cool accessory: Jtec announced a hotshoe converter for the NEX cameras (from the proprietary Sony hot shoe to the universal hot shoe). Check at DC.watch.
Some nice NEX images sent to me by one of our readers (http://www.fluidr.com/)

icie
10 months ago |You got me all excited there with the hotshoe thing, but:
1) The DC.Watch link is broken
2) On finding the original DC.Watch report (http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110721_462028.html), the new Jtec accessory is just a cold shoe. That’s been done before and really isn’t much use.
redfern
10 months ago |That video really shows off the great PDAF of the A55 in action. Also, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Glidecam, you can get the Flycam Nano on ebay for much less, and it’s almost the same thing. I still need to get mine in balance for the NEX-5.
BMan
10 months ago |The author said on dyxum forums that he did not use AF at all for the whole movie. In fact most professionally done clips/movies/films are done with MF.
redfern
10 months ago |My mistake! I wonder if it’s difficult to manually focus with the camera on a stabilizer. Seems like it would be hard to avoid making it jerky.
JJ Casas
10 months ago |I agree with @iceie. Would’ve loved that if it was a hotshoe.. would be awesome to trigger lights with such a small set up!
Raul S.
10 months ago |Please admin, verify information about the hotshoe…the link is broken and there’s people wondering about if it’s true. If the information results to be a misunderstanding and it’s the already released COLDshoe then edit quickly because there’s going to be a bunch of angry people mad at you. Thanks.
Pablo
10 months ago |the JTEC gadget is only a cold shoe viewfinder holdr…
Have a look at the video at the bottom of this page:
http://oriental-hobbies.com/fs/camera/jtec85197400
NEXfive
10 months ago |The cold shoe option should be also available with the original SONY viewfinder:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1042&message=36517965
Since that port is capable to run a flash or a mic, it should be also possible to build a hot shoe with flash sync and audio in.
But I’m preferring another option on my Firmware 05 Wish List, that SONY should open the USB-Port for external devices and also Follow Focus controls like this one here:
http://vimeo.com/19341897
Engineer
10 months ago |I have to laugh at NEX reviews that complain about the “bulk” and especially the “weight” of the 18-55mm lens. My friend has one and it is super light and tiny… I walk around all day with an 18-200 on my NEX and even that is compact enough that when the camera is in my pocket, nobody knows I have an expensive camera.
axii
10 months ago |Those must be some really huge pockets you have to slip in the 18200…
doon41
10 months ago |Just got my Nex-3C. It refuses to use all of the supposedly-compatible batteries, including a genuine Sony “infoLITHIUM NP-FW50″ that was purchased 3 months ago. ONLY the factory supplied battery works. The newer battery does have slightly different graphics on it, but all the specs seem identical.