Sony refreshes entry level with Alpha A37 and NEX-F3 cameras
Sony has rounded out more of their 2012 camera lineup, announcing the replacements for their entry-level interchangeable lens camera lines. Read on to find out just what the new Sony NEX-F3 and Alpha A37 have in store.
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It looks as though Sony weren't quite finished rounding out their interchangeable lens lineup this spring, as the company has today announced two new entry-level cameras, the Alpha A37 and NEX-F3.
The Alpha A37 will nominally replace the A33 in the company's lineup, while the NEX-F3 represents a nice spec bump over the NEX-C3 with a built-in flash, new image sensor, and articulating LCD screen.
The NEX-F3 is arguably more interesting of the two cameras, as its design signals some small, but significant changes to the NEX line. First of all the NEX-F3 features a chunkier grip, which aids handling, puts the shutter button in a more convenient spot, and makes shooting with the camera all the better.
For a company that seemed intent on staking claims to the "thinnest" or "smallest" mirrorless camera bodies (ignoring the obvious fact you have to attach a giant lens to the end), that's a very positive sign. The NEX-C3 doesn't handle poorly, but the NEX-F3 is superior, while Sony has included an LCD screen on a hinge that now articulates up and out, meaning it can face all the way forward so your subject can see themselves.
On the inside, the NEX-F3 picks up a new 16.1-megapixel EXMOR image sensor with a maximum ISO speed of 16000. That's nearly the same as the SLT-A57 (with the same number of effective and gross pixels), though the A57 can be pushed all the way to 25600. We'd hazard a guess that it's nearly the same sensor, though, given the similarities.
The Alpha SLT-A37 is also a bump over its predecessor, though the outward changes are not as significant. The grip has been improved slightly, with a different material that has a little more give to it, yet provides greater purchase. Otherwise the control layout, profile, and general size and weight remain unchanged over the SLT-A35.
The SLT-A37 also sticks at a 16-megapixel resolution, but with an ISO range of 100-25600. It also features a 15-point phase detection autofocus sensor, the ability to shoot at up to 7 full resolution frames per second, and some neat in-camera tricks that are designed to help aid beginners.
For more on these two new entry-level cameras, you can visit Sony's press website by going here.