Reddit mentions of Sony NEX-3NL/B Mirrorless Digital Camera Kit (Black)

I know next to nothing about photography, so an opinion from me is pretty much useless. However, I can share with you what I have been using for the past 2ish years.

Sony NEX3N. Great raw quality IMO. The entire setup with the battery and stock lens comes out to 13.1oz. It's definitely a luxury, and yes, I could just take pictures with my phone, but I feel like the quality of pictures I get with the camera make it worth the weight.

This camera has fit in every hip belt pocket that I've ever owned (along with ziplock bag filled with a microfiber towel, extra battery, and extra SD card).

Check out some of its raw pics.

Sony 3N kits are extremely cheap ($245 refurb'd: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00BF9MUBM/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished)

They're my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to "step up". The controls are very simplistic for anyone coming from a compact camera, it's got a TINY size, and the image quality is on par with all the other budget DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Plus, despite owning 5-figures worth of DSLR gear, I think DSLR systems are going the way of the dinosaur and will become a high-end and niche market in the near future (a la MF and LF cameras).

If you ask for suggestions on this sub, people are always going to suggest DSLRs. It sounds like you don't want to be carrying around a big camera if you're living in one bag. I'd suggest a compact system camera like the Olympus PEN a Sony NEX a Panasonic LX7 or a Nikon 1.

You won't get the exact same quality as a DSLR, but the size is 1/3rd that of which you'd have to carry on your back, and they will certainly take good pictures.

Enjoy Asia, and if you come out to Taiwan, send me a message!

I would have to agree with avoiding the DSLR and just going for a Mirrorless camera. You basically get the full performance of a DSLR, but much smaller and lighter weight. Unless you are going to be taking action sports shots at night with autofocus, there is really no disadvantage.

In fact, there is a large advantage to going with a Mirrorless Sony Camera; You can put basically any lens you find on it with a cheap ($15-$35) adapter. This means you can learn about lenses and photography with whatever you find at garage sales, antique malls, and ebay listings without having to invest a lot of money. I currently have 6 different lenses, that are all excellent, that all together cost less then 1 lens of the cheapest variety for a DSLR.

Check out this Sony NEX-3N. It is small enough to fit in your pocket, yet is just as powerful (if not more) than any comparably priced DSLR.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375710866&sr=1-1&keywords=Sony+NEX+3n

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the NEX-3 line is completely geared towards beginners in the fact that it has Help Tips for every single setting on the camera explaining why you would want to change the setting, and when it is most important.

I love my Sony NEX 3N. It's so compact but takes beautiful shots and allows for a lot of adjustable settings that mimic a much bulkier DSLR. Can also buy other lenses. I do a ton of hiking in difficult terrain for my research and it's so easy to throw in a small case. Battery life also superb. takes great video too. https://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera/dp/B00BF9MUBM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1499790290&sr=1-2&keywords=sony+nex+3n

To complement DatAperture's answer the other option in the mirrorless market is Sony. The tradeoff is probably a bit better quality (the same sensors as in APS-C DSLRs) versus larger size and less lens selection.

For your budget you could get a very nice body:

• A6000 648$ (24MP, latest model, supposedly very fast next-generation autofocus)
  
  Or a cheaper kit:
  
  
• NEX 3 with 16-50 lens $398 (16MP older model)
  
  and then complement it with some lenses:
  
  
• 16/2.8 $248
  
• 20/2.8 $348
  
• 35/1.8 $448
  
• 50/1.8 $298
  
  The Sigma ones are also available in Nex mount:
  
  
• 19/2.8 $199
  
• 30/2.8 $199
  
• 60/2.8 $239
  
  For my kind of shooting, on a backpacking trip of Europe I'd go for A6000+19/2.8+50/1.8. Fits in your budget. Is light and small. Gets you a wide angle for scenery and a 50 for everything else, including low light. If you prefer zooms you can get the A6000 with the 16-50 kit lens plus a 55-210.
  
  

I just switched from my D300 to the new Sony Nex-3N, it's the worlds smallest mirrorless camera and has the same size sensor as your D300 (but with better image quality and bigger/better than micro 4/3). I picked up one refurbished for $350 with retractible 16-50mm zoom lens and a pair of incredible sigma primes (19mm & 30mm 2.8) for $200. In camera panorama and HDR have saved me a lot of editing time and its fun! And built in image stabilization and focus peaking works great with my old primes! If you need a viewfinder check out the Nex-6. I use it so much more often than my dust gathering D300.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUBM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375105948&sr=8-1&keywords=nex-3n

Would you consider a Mirrorless System Camera?

The Panasonic GF3 and 14-42 kit lens can be had within your budget:

GF3
Lens

As can the Olympus EPL-3 (which I own):
EPL-3

Both are one generation old, but each is a very good camera, and the Mirrorless system allows you to add better lens as the funds become available.

ETA: Looks like the Sony NEX-3 is also in your budget.

I'm using this lens and this camera.

When I was in the market for my first "nice" camera without breaking the bank six months ago, the consensus seemed to be that the Sony NEX-3N is the best value in the under-$500 range. Having owned that camera since then, I can say it was worth every penny. With an APS-C sensor (same size as the pricier entry-level dSLRs) and a decent kit lens, I think camera takes pretty respectable pictures (here's one of my favorites, with a bit of RAW editing) and offers as much manual control as you want.

The low price comes at the expense of a few features found on more expensive cameras, perhaps most notably a viewfinder and hot shoe, though this has never really bothered me. I can tell that I'm going to enjoy these sorts of features when I'm willing to spend more on a camera, but in the meantime, I'm satisfied with the control and image quality I have now.

I know Sony has been revamping/replacing the NEX line recently—Amazon reports that the NEX-3N has been upgraded to the a5000, which offers a few more features for a bit more money—so it'd certainly worth doing some research to find the version that fits your budget and your needs. At any rate, I think the Sony mirrorless cameras fit the bill quite well in this price range.

GoPros have a very distinct semi-fisheye lens that are great for sport but not that great for...your face.

I'd recommend a point and shoot (mirrorless if you can stretch the budget a little) with a mini-tripod.

Something like this with a few spare batteries.

If you're willing to spend a little more money I'd go with the sony nex-3n. It will provide you with great pictures, as well as advanced features should you wish to expand your horizons.

haha, understand this a lot better now. thanks so much man! definitely getting the sony in that case.

sorry about this though: one last question.

amazon has something called the nex 3nl/b...is that the same as the nex 3n? http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUBM/

also i was thinking about getting it on ebay or something used...it would save me $100...would it be worht it?

Hello all, going to purchase my first ever camera (besides what I've been using with my smartphone) and I've decided to get a mirrorless camera since they are compact yet produce good quality photos from what I've read.

I've narrowed it down between the NX 1100 http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NX1100-Digital-Camera-20-50mm/dp/B00CEH9NFU and the Sony NEX 3N http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-3NL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00BF9MUBM .

Does anyone have experience with both or either one and can help me make a decision? The Sony 3N is about $60-80 more than the NX1100