(SR4) NEX-F3 and new NEX camcorder coming soon?
Image on top: The NEX-C3 that could soon be replaced by the NEX-F3
As I told you last week Sony is going to have a big announcement day on March 13th! We know that the A57 is coming for sure but what about other cameras and lenses? Trusted sources now told me that a Sony NEX-C3 successor is coming soon (NEX-F3?) and a new NEX camcorder will also come right before the NAB show in April. I have no final specs right now but this is going to be a very busy time here on SAR…so stay tuned!Oh, and I really hope Sony will announce the new NEX lenses too! We alreayd have plenty of NEX cameras but so few NEX lenses 
Message for Sony fullframe developers and marketing guys: The Nikon D800 is an incredible hotseller at Amazon USA (Click here), Amazon Germany (Click here) and Amazon Japan (Click here). Who said you can’t make money with FF? Just do it right 
zstan
2 years ago |Hopefully it has a tilt screen.
kevin
2 years ago |I wouldn’t count on it.
David
2 years ago |How old is the C3?
Menkert
2 years ago |yes, why would they follow up the NEX-C3 so soon?
SRL
2 years ago |Just in case you haven’t noticed it, the NEX camera is very popular; I see one every day, and as someone who is “into” cameras I notice stuff that that… Living in San Francisco and working through-out the Pacific north-west I see NEX cameras all over the place and in astounding numbers for a camera that’s only a few years old.
So to answer the question why; It’s because Sony has got a hot product with consumer demand that it wants to capitalize on as quickly as it can and that’s why you see new and improved camera bodies every few months and if you think through It, from Sony’s point of view, why you don’t see things like professional lenses as It’s not important to the bottom line…
It’s more important to have a new and improved camera body, one just a little better than what the guy next door got, and with a supper-zoom that’s just little longer in focal length than the last year’s model.
Look, if Sony’s makes big money with the NEX series then maybe we shall see a different lens roadmap than the one we just got; one with better, faster, smaller lenses.
Pei
2 years ago |If you work for B&H, you’d see camera everyday as well.
I wish SONY would come out with more cheap~mid-range for their excellent cameras. A cheap pancake/square 24mm would be great so would a smaller kit lens.
Dirk
2 years ago |Its the “sonykind”-of-firmware-update. they release new models within half a year or year…
lifeispixels
2 years ago |Very true. Sony usually releases a new firmware through a new camera LOL.
Linh
2 years ago |Well, it was announced in June 2011. Maybe the next one (F3?) will be announced sooner this time and come out in the summer like the original duo did.
Nick
2 years ago |can’t believe it !!! – after much hesitation I just bought a C3 yesterday, and today I see this
My C3 hasnt even arrived yet and its obsolete – thats pretty funny.
I don’t mind – I found a good price and I’m happy to have it now.
Looking forward to putting my Nikon lenses on it.
hanugro
2 years ago |What the point replacing C3? It is more productive if releasing NEX-6 as a 16MP with NEX-7 body but slower (fps, etc) everything.
Geir E
2 years ago |The c3 is a volume model, and they are replaced frequently to keep up demand. Thus higher end the model is, thus longer between updates just because they need to recoup the costs.
Give it a rest, NEX-6 won’t happened.
hanugro
2 years ago |It is barely 9 months? I understand yearly update but 9 months. It just started to be available in my country in less than 3 months 5N is still not yet released here as well.
Not that I am interested in NEX. I am eagerly waiting for FF A-mount to complement my A77 and A550. I might buy NEX for my mother but I want at least 5N and wait for the price to drop.
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |Sony is a Consumer Electronics company, NOT a Camera company. From what I’m seeing, they treat the P&S and NEX cameras like MP3 players. Too bad that the NEX line and the DSLRs aren’t part of the Broadcast division.
hanugro
2 years ago |If it is part of broadcast unit then many of us here can not afford it.
Aero
2 years ago |It’s true maybe C3 isn’t as deminding as a 16mp sensor with pro body like the nex-7 on internet but remember the largest number of consumer never discuss about camera on internet. They just find the cheapest one with the highest pixel counts and pretty body to buy.
Les
2 years ago |D800 is a hotseller partly because hordes of Nikon addicts have been avidly awaiting it. For the same reason, Sony needs to produce a new FF soon while the Sony fans are still there, avidly awaiting it.
SRL
2 years ago |The D800 looks to be a very nice professional camera and a fair price.
Can’t wait to see to learn how well it images and hoping to see and hold one within a few months.
I moved to Sony in 2009 thinking that Sony was going to support the pro market, may need to move back to Nikon again or maybe to Canon, depending on what the 5d replacement looks like.
I change computers, I change software depending on my needs so changing camera platforms is not that big of a deal.
But, the Nikon D800 looks sweet
David
2 years ago |SRL, I feel the same.
Thought I was getting into an up-and-coming platform. But actually it feels very stagnant, slow and still clearly the third party and not serious competition to Canon or Nikon.
I just feel I’m worrying about stupid things – are we even going to get serious full-frame cameras that I want? Why can’t I rent Sony lenses here in the UK? Why have there been no new alpha lenses for years? etc etc etc
And I think now I can resolve all worries by simply selling up and moving platform. d800 looks mighty tempting and a great all-in-one camera. Great resolution and image quality. The build will be good, and so will autofocus, metering etc. I can rent any lens I like, any time I like.
Hell, even just consider that those lens correction profiles in Lightroom and DxO will actually work! Whereas for Sony, lightroom only has about 5 lenses. They haven’t even bothered to add more…
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |The big difference is that there are a lot of Nikon DSLR owners, both Enthusiasts and Pros. Sony not-so-much.
If Sony were to release a FFCamera with the 36Mp sensor tomorrow, there would be few pre-orders, because there are significantly fewer Sony Enthusiasts or Pros.
Sony does a good job of supporting their Pro Video owners/users, but their Still cameras don’t get much support from Sony Style stores.
Mike
2 years ago |Now i have the nex 7 i really need more lenses !!!
Before the new roadmap, Sony said (to Steve Huff) there will be a Zeiss portrait lens !
But nothing about this lens, so sad …
I don’t care about size, i find the 24 mm 1.8 wonderfull, it’s small and light enough !
But i do need autofocus high quality lens !!
bandrews
2 years ago |+1
LENSES!!!!
Alfonso Cuitiño
2 years ago |They are just catching up, so that, as usual, we can have one different body per lens
z
2 years ago |F3? Now I’m looking forward to NEX-F65..
yurilee
2 years ago |lol
NEX-F35 is good enough lol
F35 chip in 5n body !
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |If you had a F65, the lack of lenses Would NOT be a problem
David
2 years ago |How many NEX bodies have there been?
3, 5, 3C, 5N, 7 – any more?
16/2.8
18-55
18-200
30/3.5
55-210
24/1.8
50/1.8
So that’s 7 lenses and 5 bodies.. wow
Anonymous
2 years ago |Yes, there are 7 lenses, but there are only 3 bodies. 3 series, 5 series and 7 series. Bodies get replaced, lenses do not.
conny
2 years ago |so what ?
Nikon 1 just has
2 bodies
4 lenses
so far, right ?
z
2 years ago |Subtract 1 each for Fuji.
Hello World
2 years ago |Nikon 1 system is only few months old
Vivek
2 years ago |The 50/1.8 is a mythical prime.
So far there are more NEX bodies than prime lenses.
The 16/2.8 (Dog)
The 24/1.8 (fabulous)
The 30/3.5 Macro (decent)
So, effectively we have 2 lenses and 5 bodies (3 of which are half blind with no EVF possibility)….
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |The 50mm f/1.8 is Vapor-Ware. If you can’t buy it, it didn’t happen
Linh
2 years ago |8 lenses if you count the Tamron 18-200.
and a few more if you count the E-mount MF lenses released by Samyang/Rokinon/SLR Magic.
Yong
2 years ago |Well… This is a surprise …
Vivek
2 years ago |I really hope they will offer color choices- particularly bright yellow and pink!
Klipsen
2 years ago |Joking aside, a lot of young people (mostly girls, naturally
) will put greater emphasis on the colour of the camera than anything else. Black may look cool and pro to (most) boys and men, but girls and women find it little attractive.
Carl
2 years ago |I find black cameras horribly staid, and I’m male and what would I guess be called a “serious photographer”, so the division isn’t so cut and dry.
Not to suggest I’m pining for the A900′s replacement to come in a Helly Kitty theme or anything,
poke
2 years ago |Right now I would take a 900 replacement in mambo orange. Any color would do.
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |Check-out Tokyo Camera Style http://tokyocamerastyle.com/ There are quite a few women, both young and old, shooting Film in Japan.
SonyA77
2 years ago |People still haven’t figured out that Sony release a new model every twelve months?
David
2 years ago |Every 9 months actually
How crazy.. it was only released in May last year!
The review is still on the front page of dpreview
SonyA77
2 years ago |12 months by release.
bandrews
2 years ago |Hasn’t been released yet though – could still be several months off.
Mike1
2 years ago |A dedicated NEX camcorder would be great – with major updates and some pro features. DSLR is always my B camera…
Jason (waiting for lenses)
2 years ago |Just hurry and release more E-mount lenses and in BLACK. I think we have enough bodies until then.
Hello World
2 years ago |Nobody gets Sony!! They are building a ICL system (Interchangeable Camera Lens)
Vivek
2 years ago |+1000!!!!
Cliff
2 years ago |New NEX Camcorder at NAB?
NAB = “Sony PRO division”
Sony Pro = NXCAM (not Handycam)
Are we looking at a “Pro” sister model to the NEX VG20? (with XLR audio?)
I love my VG20 but it’s moire problem makes it very unattractive to pros. Pros don’t like a heavily undersampled 16MP sensor image for video and I’m questioning if Sony would throw a “NXCAM” badge on that camera.
Could we be looking at a new super 35mm sensor camera? Why? We already have the NEX FS100 that fills that role.
Very interesting,…..
Mattia
2 years ago |FS-200?!
c.d.embrey
2 years ago |The FS100 was announced on March 23, 2011. So the FS200 seems likely.
Cliff
2 years ago |Hmmm….Sony pro models usually have a 3-5 year life span.
I’d be shocked if the flat out replaced the FS100. I strongly suspect this is and “addition” to the NXCAM lineup.
My only guess would be NEX VG 20 style hand held with more pro features and the same super 35mm FS100 sensor.
What else could it possibly be?
Clifton
2 years ago |the mirrorless market is getting more competitive every day, its a good idea to refresh the cheaper end of the market to keep your products in the lime light. A rehashed 3 series camera will have minimal costs as the majority of the tech stays the same, but they will get loads of free advertising as websites review it.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Exactly. It’s the same as the compact market, keep themselves in the news by constantly issuing “new” models.
Sony aren’t alone in this either…
bas076
2 years ago |Never mind. As I understood alot of “non idiots” taking pictures at ISO 3200 & 6400. So there is no miracle that Sony thinks it can be done without lenses at all with the same quality.
SonyA77
2 years ago |What? Are you replying to the right person?
Jason
2 years ago |Why are my posts being edited???
Steve
2 years ago |I’m so pleased there is a new body coming out. It’s what the system needs. Well done Sony ! I’m going to collect them all. Thank you ! Unfortunately, I’ll have too many of those useless lumps they come with – and people here are complaining there are not enough lenses ! What ?! It’s simple, just buy more bodies and you’ll have more lenses… durr…
Cliff
2 years ago |A new NEX “Pro” model video camera will also increase lens demand and put more pressure on Sony to get more E mount lenses in their catalog.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |I believe the NEX is the only system in history to have more bodies than lenses.
Nope, this is not hyperbole: There are 8 bodies (including camcorders: NEX 3, 5, C3, 5N, VG-10, VG-20, FS100) and 7 lenses (16, 24, 30, 50, 18-55, 18-200, 55-210).
And now we’re getting two more bodies????
Carl
2 years ago |Sony has released more A mount cameras than A mount lenses, also.
passer-by
2 years ago |Body come and go, lens last forever. So it’s logical to release more body than lens.. hahaha
narutogrey
2 years ago |Well, they said there would be 3 new bodies and 4 new lens coming this year (assuming the 50mm f1.8 is NOT considered a 2012 lens). If that is true, we would get the same number of bodies and same number of lens. In 2013, there should be 4 more lens, which means more lens than bodies.
westcoastsonyguy
2 years ago |@voldenuit
… technically the vg10/20 are handycam, not nex… and the fs100/fsx00 are nxcam…
They just happen to share the e-mount…
Cliff
2 years ago |And they both have “NEX” in there model name.
The NEX VG20 shares most of the 5n’s components and features. It’s essentially a 5n in a different form factor.
The NEX VG20 and NEX FS100 are both built in Japan and not Thailand though.
calxn
2 years ago |Why so many cameras and so few lenses? I think the problem is Sony hasn’t really been a big player in optics and their competency is in electronics. What I’d like to see is for Sony to ask Zeiss and Cosina, and maybe Sigma and Tamron, to focus less on the DSLR line and focus more on NEX. Let’s be realistic, Sony DSLRs will never be big business for them. DSLRs, outside of the smaller pro market, is decelerating, if not on the decline.
Sahaja
2 years ago |“Sony hasn’t really been a big player in optics and their competency is in electronics”
What about the optics Sony make for their pro video cameras?
SonyA77
2 years ago |People here don’t understand that Sony have a professional video division. You get the same crap off canikon users who think that Sony can’t support professionals, until you point out that Sony is the pros choice for video of course…
e
2 years ago |I guess this is because it sells, and the hard moulding tools needs to be replaced at the suppliers.
So either you make new ones for the old model and continue, or you release an updated model and make new tools.
Kudos to Sony for selling.
/E
Cliff
2 years ago |Well? If you consider that you can mount NIKON and Canon lenses, than technically the E mount platform has the MOST amount of lens choices than any other camera on the market!
Julien M.
2 years ago |No, that’s the micro 4/3 “platform”.
Voldenuit
2 years ago |True. micro 4/3, while having a slightly longer FBD than NEX (19.5mm vs 18mm) is more suitable for using adapted C mount lenses, which vignette strongly on APS-C.
Ray oody
2 years ago |Really ??? I thought a 5n seccesser !!! Come on Sony better touch screen and touch shutter will be great
Eas
2 years ago |I own NEX-3 + 18200 lens. It has served me very well until I got my Fuji x-100. I probably won’t upgrade my NEX-3 until alpha/e-mount hybrid or FF comes out.
ageha
2 years ago |People buy new changeable-lens camera kits, not new lenses!
Zstan
2 years ago |A new f2.8 zoom lens to come along with the camcorder will be great!
Clifton
2 years ago |I have seen a lot of NEX’s out in the wild, and never seen one using anything but the stock lens, maybe the fact the cameras get excellent reviews and the fact a large % of the market are happy with the stock lens that is driving Sony’s marketing in this direction? Out of all the people I have seen with entry level DSLR, very few of them have been using anything other than the stock lens so it wouldn’t surprise me if those customers are now just going for a nex instead of entry level DSLR (and never changing the lens).
After all, a Nex 3 with the stock lens beats any point and shoot by a country mile.
SonyA77
2 years ago |Indeed. I have the same argument with canikon users all the time over lens choice. Most dSLR users will never use more than the kits lens, so lens choice is usually a moot point.
We all know friends and family with dSLRs, I have friends who have a 1000D, D5100, D90 and D7000. They all have the kits lens on it and could have got ANY brand and been perfectly happy with so-called “lens choice”. Only the D7000 owner uses anything other than AUTO too!
It’s a common trap to fall into thinking that most dSLR/NEX users are like “us” in forums, they are not, they are point’n'shoot. They’ll buy the NEX-3 and never take the 18-55mm off it and will not care, or even know, that a new model is released a year later.
JonasM
2 years ago |I want to see a NEX-5 with GPS! Who buys that plastic 3-series anyway!?