Evaluation of Sony micro-single NEX-F3, a fully functional self-timer

IT 168 Evaluation 2012May 18, Sony released a new generation of fashion entry micro-sheets. As a micro-camera mainly aimed at female users, NEX-F3 specially added a flip screen to help self-timer. In terms of soft power, Sony has injected a very powerful and comprehensive function into NEX-F3 this time, which is different from the previous single function. How about Sony micro-single? Please see the in-depth evaluation brought by IT 168.

Sony's micro camera NEX-F3 uses 1665438+ megapixel APS-C image sensor. Although it is a fashionable entry-level model, the sensor size is the largest among single-camera/micro-camera at present, and Sony's approach is really pleasing to the eye. 5.5 High-speed continuous shooting can also meet the needs of primary users.

Sony's micro-single products have been very popular in China, and the author also thinks that the upgrade of NEX3 series is very real, so it is foreseeable that NEX-F3 will be more popular. Why do you say that? Sony micro-NEX-F3' s practical flip screen, full HD camera and rich shooting functions can help novices take good photos. What exactly is it? Let's take a look at the detailed evaluation.

Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has a 180-degree flip screen.

NEX-F3 is thicker than the previous NEX-C3. There are two main reasons for its thickness: first, the handle is thickened. The NEX-C3 handle was not very big, but it became thicker and more comfortable to hold on the NEX-F3. Another reason is that the fuselage is slightly thicker after adding 180 degree flip screen. However, it is worthwhile to add only 6.6mm thickness to the flip screen.

▲ Front view of ▲NEX-F3

The volume of Sony micro NEX-F3 is about117.3x66.6x41.3mm, and the weight is 255g ... The workmanship is very fine, and all the joints are bonded together.

▲NEX-F3 rear view

The layout of buttons on the back of Sony Micro NEX-F3 fuselage is still very simple, similar to the consistent layout of Sony NEX series products. A 3-inch 920,000-pixel LCD screen on the back can be flipped 180 degrees.

▲ Top view of ▲NEX-F3

Compared with NEX-C3, Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has an extra flash. Although the function of internal flash is limited, it is very useful to use it in an emergency. This improvement is really sweet.

▲ Left ▲NEX-F3 (photographer's guidance)

There is a data cable interface and an HDMI interface on the left side of Sony Micro-NEX-F3. From this side, you can also see the slimness of Sony's miniature NEX F3. Although a flip screen was added, Sony controlled the volume very well.

▲ Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 Interface

Users who like to watch the playback effect on TV can be equipped with an HDMI cable and can also play high-definition movies on TV.

▲ The right picture of ▲NEX-F3 (photographer's position)

Because the camera is operated by the right hand, there are no buttons on the right side of the Sony micro-single NEX-F3 fuselage. It can be seen from this aspect that the handle of Sony Micro-Single NEX-F3 is indeed much thicker than the previous NEX-C3.

▲ Bottom view of Sony micro-single NEX-F3

Sony Micro NEX-F3 has a metal tripod hole at the bottom, and the product model and code are also at the bottom of the camera. Check the three codes in one when purchasing. You need to see here. (Three codes in one: the package code, warranty certificate code and body code must be consistent before the warranty can be guaranteed. In addition, the battery compartment and card compartment of Sony micro-NEX-F3 are also at the bottom of the fuselage.

▲▲▲▲▲ Sony micro-single NEX-F3 battery compartment and card compartment

Because Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 has 1665438+ megapixels, the file size of a single photo is not small (about 9M). I suggest that everyone should be equipped with at least an 8G SD card. Full HD camera shooting, everyone should be equipped with at least one SD card with a speed of more than 8 categories.

▲ Sony micro-single NEX-F3 uses batteries.

Sony micro battery NEX-F3 adopts 1080 mA NP-FW50 lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which is common with mid-range and entry-level batteries of Sony A series and NEX series. It is no problem for the author to take 500 pictures after actual use. For Sony micro NEX-F3, if you don't travel frequently, there is no need to equip it with another battery.

Sony micro-single NEX-F3 appearance summary;

Judging from the overall material, shape and key layout, Sony NEX-F3 has not changed much. However, the grip of the handle is very similar to that of NEX-5N, and the grip has been improved a lot. It is rare that the addition of 180 degree flip screen did not cause excessive increase in the thickness of the fuselage. NEX-F3 is definitely the most fashionable micro-single.

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Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has a good resolution.

Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 has 1665438+ megapixels, which is enough for ordinary users, even if it is a problem to output large-format photos. Let's take a look at the resolution of Sony NEX F3.

In the test, we use Sony micro-NEX-F3 equipped with E-mount 16mmF2.8 lens to shoot the sample of ISO 12233 resolution target (4000 lines) at various apertures, and test it by Imatest software, and finally get the best resolution value. The following are the best resolution test results of Sony micro-single NEX-F3:

▲ Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 Best Resolution Test Results

From the test results, the best resolution of Sony micro-single NEX-F3 JPG is 2388 lines, which is not bad for a fashionable entry-level micro-single.

Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 performs well in image quality measurement.

Resolution test can let us know the theoretical definition of a camera, but it is best to see if the photo can reach the definition we want.

▲ Clarity test environment

We took this photo with Sony Micro-Single NEX-F3 in a standard evaluation environment. The lens used is E-mount 16mmF2.8, the shooting parameter is F8 aperture of A gear, and the sensitivity is set to ISO 200. For the convenience of comparison, we 100% cut off four parts (the red box area above) of Sony micro-sheet NEX-F3 for observation.

▲ Sony micro-single NEX-F3 resolution sample 100% screenshot

From the real shot of definition, the overall picture details of Sony micro-single NEX-F3 are good, and the texture of Washington's face can be seen, and the engraving details on the back of the coin are also largely preserved. In addition, the overall picture clarity is also good. This is enough for beginners and female users. If you want to find a photographer with excellent image quality, I suggest buying NEX-7.

Solution summary:

On the whole, the photos taken by Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 seem to be very clear, with good details and sharpness. As a fashionable entry-level product, APS-C size sensor seems to have contributed a lot.

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Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 has outstanding high sensitivity.

Many of Sony's micro-cameras are at the pixel level of 6.5438+0.6 million, which shows that Sony's sensors and processors are handy for improving the image quality at this pixel level. NEX-F3 still maintains the highest sensitivity of ISO 16000, but I believe the new product will be better optimized. Let's have a look.

The following scenario is the standard sensitivity test environment of IT 168 evaluation room. We fixed the camera on the gear platform of a heavy tripod and let the camera shoot the photosensitive effect of each gear motionless. Then we cut the photo slices from the same position in the above picture, as shown in the red box, to see what the sensitivity of each file is.

▲ shooting target

First, let's shoot a set of JPG slices with noise reduction turned off.

▲ JPG directly shows the ISO performance of each file.

From the sample, we can see that when the Sony micro-single NEX-F3 is in ISO 800 or below, the imaging is fine and the image quality is good. In ISO 1600, the graininess is slightly obvious, but it is barely usable. ISO 3200 graininess is intensified. The author believes that the highest sensitivity required for excellent image quality is between ISO 800 and ISO 1600. This result can be said to have defeated most of mirrorless cameras, which surprised the author.

The author continues to think: If you shoot with RAW, will you get better high-sensitivity performance? Let's continue to look at the effect of RAW shooting:

Sony micro-single NEX-F3 photos taken with RAW are not as sharp as the direct result of JPG. It seems that the JPG algorithm of Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 has indeed improved, which is why NEX-F3 has a high sense of surprise. I believe that from the comparison chart above, you can judge whether RAW is needed.

Highly summarized:

On the whole, the high sensitivity of Sony micro-NEX-F3 is very good in the current single battery/micro-camera. The performance of RAW is not as good as that of JPG direct shooting in perception, so it is not for professional purposes to buy NEX-F3, so shoot it with JPG in a down-to-earth manner. JPG shot by NEX F3 is very effective.

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Noise reduction can be set to low noise reduction.

Professional photographers generally choose to shoot without noise reduction, so that they can get good sharpness. As for high ISO, try not to use it. But for ordinary users, turning on noise reduction is the best way to get good image quality, especially for NEX-F3 of non-professional users. Therefore, the author tested two kinds of noise reduction effects provided by NEX F3. ● Noise reduction standard.

Noise reduction test conclusion:

For the majority of primary users, we can set the amount of noise reduction at the noise reduction standard. Judging from the shooting effect, the standard noise reduction has no obvious improvement in the fineness of the picture compared with the low noise reduction, but the sharpness of the low noise reduction gear is much better. It is suggested that you usually set the noise reduction in the low noise reduction gear.

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About dark exposure test

In the field evaluation of Sony's micro-single NEX-F3, IT 168 pointed out that the exposure of NEX-F3 was dark. Although this is not a big problem in my opinion, many users may be troubled by shooting if they don't know this.

▲ Field evaluation results

In view of this problem, the author can finally be verified in the IT 168 evaluation laboratory this time. We took photos of Sony miniature NEX F3 automatically measuring 0EV, and photos of exposure parameters measured by exposure instrument.

The final result is that the exposure parameters of the exposure meter are 2/3EV more than NEX-F3. I can't judge which is better or worse, but let's take a look at the actual shooting effect of these two photos.

From the actual shooting effect, the effect of adding 2/3EV to the left side is obviously better than 0EV. After full exposure, the details, sharpness and color of the picture have better performance. Therefore, I suggest that you can appropriately increase the exposure compensation of 1/3-2/3EV when shooting.

The actual shooting is very dark, which has happened in many digital cameras. Previously, the famous Nikon D70 was also pointed out that the exposure was dark. As a D70 user, I always set the exposure compensation of the camera to+1/3EV. Although this will not affect the shooting, I still hope that Sony can correct the problem of dark light exposure through firmware upgrade.

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Sony micro-NEX-F3 automatic white balance works well.

Clarity and high-sensitivity imaging are important manifestations of image quality, and the color performance of Sony miniature NEX-F3 is also worthy of attention. One is to see whether the white balance can accurately restore the original color temperature of the object, and the other is to see what the overall color tendency of Sony miniature NEX-F3 is more suitable for.

▲ Color test environment

In order to understand the imaging style of Sony micro-NEX-F3, in the color test, we installed E 16mmF2.8 lens, set automatic white balance and manual white balance to shoot standard color cards respectively (the red box area in the above picture is the color test range), and obtained the final data through imatest software:

▲ Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 Manual White Balance Test Results

This test chart reflects the difference between the actual imaging color value and the ideal value of Sony micro-single NEX-F3. The part surrounded by gray lines in the picture is the color gamut range of Canon Sony micro-single NEX-F3. The square color block in the test chart is the ideal color value, and the circular color block is the actual shooting value.

Among them, the manual white balance exceeds the sRGB color gamut 10.3%, and the Sony micro-single NEX-F3 is more faithful to the real scene in color performance, so for novices who like to shoot scenery, they will feel that the color is not gorgeous enough. But taking portraits or taking selfies will have good color performance, and too bright colors are not suitable for taking portraits.

▲ Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 Auto White Balance Test Results

In the aspect of automatic white balance, the automatic white balance color temperature of Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 is very accurate. As a Sony micro-NEX-F3 which mainly faces the primary user market, automatic white balance will be everyone's main use. Automatic white balance can accurately display the original color temperature of the picture, which is very important for users.

Color evaluation summary:

The author thinks that users can use automatic white balance in most cases when using Sony micro-single NEX-F3, because the color temperature performance of its automatic white balance is very accurate. In addition, the Sony micro-single NEX-F3 picture is not gorgeous, but it faithfully restores the true color, so it is recommended that you use the bright mode in the camera to shoot the scenery.

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The key setting is reasonable and easy to operate.

NEX F3 exposure adjustment

Holding the Sony micro-single NEX-F3, the finger of the right hand can be naturally placed on the shutter button, and the thumb of the right hand is just placed at the position of the dial wheel. Although Sony micro-single NEX-F3 is small in size, it will not be difficult for both male and female users to hold it, but it is more suitable for women to hold it.

▲NEX-F3 exposure adjustment

When Sony Micro NEX-F3 is in position A or S, you can adjust the aperture size or shutter speed by turning the thumbwheel. To adjust the exposure compensation, you need to press the exposure compensation button on the back of the fuselage, and then dial the wheel to adjust.

▲ To adjust the exposure compensation, just press the button+dial wheel.

Although this operation mode is not as good as the thumb wheel design of high-end SLR camera or Sony micro-single NEX-7, the speed will not be slow after skilled operation.

Sensitivity adjustment

Although it is an entry-level micro-camera, Sony micro-camera NEX-F3 has also designed customized keys for users. I suggest you set the right button of the turntable to ISO shortcut key.

▲ Right click+rotate the pulsator.

After setting the right key as the shortcut key, just press the ISO key (right key shortcut key) and rotate the pulsator when setting the sensitivity. This operation can be completed in almost one action, which is very convenient.

White balance adjustment of NEX F3

In addition to aperture, shutter, exposure compensation and sensitivity, white balance is also a parameter that is often adjusted. Like sensitivity, Sony Micro-Single NEX-F3 can also set white balance shortcut keys. I suggest you set the white balance shortcut key to soft B key.

▲ White balance adjustment method

After pressing WB shortcut key, you can set different white balances through the dial. Pressing a WB shortcut key+rotating the dial is the same as a SLR camera.

Continuous shooting selfie adjustment of NEX F3

For selfie continuous shooting, Sony Micro-Single NEX-F3 has set a special button. There is a continuous shooting icon on the left key of the direction key, which is the continuous shooting selfie mode key.

▲ The continuous shooting selfie of Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 is very convenient.

After pressing the shooting mode button, you can select and adjust the modes of single shooting, continuous shooting and delayed self-timer through the dial. For the selfie machine, such an independent adjustment button is still necessary.

Overview of control efficiency:

The common settings of Sony micro menu NEX-F3 can be set as shortcut keys, and the menu design is clear. To our credit, the key reaction of NEX-F3 is very sensitive. Click the button below. So the control efficiency can still be guaranteed.

The menu of Sony NEX series products has hardly changed since the first generation, which also shows the rationality of this menu. At the same time, for users who have used any NEX camera, they don't need to spend time getting familiar with the camera after buying the NEX-F3, so they can get started directly.

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Self-timer artifact with replaceable lens

As a fashion product of Sony micro-single, Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has specially added a 180-degree flip screen, so that beautiful women can easily compose pictures when taking selfies.

▲ Sony Micro Single NEX-F3 Flip Screen

When taking a selfie, a beautiful woman can flip the screen up and down 180 degrees, and then press the shutter with her left hand, or open the smiling face shutter and smile at the camera.

▲ Feel free to pose when taking a selfie with NEX-F3.

As for camera autofocus, it is also easy to solve. Turn on the face recognition AF of Sony Micro NEX-F3, and the camera will automatically focus on the face without worrying about defocusing.

▲ The real shooting effect of taking a selfie with NEX-F3.

At present, there are many self-timer artifacts on the market, but whether it is the beauty effect or the convenience of self-timer, Sony micro-single NEX-F3 is not inferior to other products, and the unique APS-C large-area sensor and interchangeable lens of NEX-F3 are really not available in other products. This can bring better picture quality and wonderful background blur effect when taking selfies.

Beauty who values this point must consider Sony micro-single NEX-F3.

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Actual shooting sample

Let's take a look at the samples taken for evaluation:

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Sony micro-single NEX-F3 video focusing is quite satisfactory.

Using Sony micro-camera to shoot video can have a depth of field effect that is rare on DV, so that dynamic images also have a blurred background. However, cameras that shoot moving images are not as good as DV in focusing and tracking. At present, the only one that can compete with DV is Sony A series single camera.

So, does Sony E-series micro-camera, which belongs to Sony A-series, also have a good performance in focusing and chasing dynamic images?

Let's watch an autofocus video:

▲ Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has a general focus tracking effect.

From the video, we can easily find that it is difficult to ensure that the subject is always in focus when the subject keeps rushing out of the focal plane. Although Sony's micro-single NEX-F3 has been trying to focus, it will still lose focus. This result is not beyond the author's expectation, because from the current dynamic images taken by the camera, only Sony can do it without losing focus.

Let's take a look at the focusing effect when shooting video.

▲ Sony micro-single NEX-F3 focusing firm speed block

The autofocus effect of NEX-F3 shooting video is still very good, and the focus is very firm and fast. This is much better than SLR cameras, which is in line with the mainstream level of mirrorless cameras at present.

It is worth mentioning that compared with the SD moving image shooting ability of Sony Micro-Single NEX-C3, Sony Micro-Single NEX-F3 finally achieved full HD. A hard indicator of opening NEX-3 series and 5 series products before disappeared.

Video summary:

Using Sony micro-single NEX-F3 to shoot dynamic images is quite satisfactory, and the focusing speed will be envied by SLR users, but it will also be envied by Gensonnie single battery. Large-size sensors will bring better background blur effect and image quality, which is very advantageous in mirrorless cameras. With full HD, it also makes NEX-F3 look more valuable.

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Evaluation summary: NEX-F3 is a perfect fashion entry micro-single.

Sony miniature NEX-F3 has made great progress in function. Full HD, clear image scaling, automatic portrait composition, various photo effects, and 180-degree flip screen all make me feel that this camera is tailor-made for fashion beginners. Plus the rich functions of Sony cameras before? Such as hand-held night scene function, intelligent panoramic scanning, face recognition, smiling face shutter and so on. It can be said that users can shoot whatever they want.

The author is gratified that the image quality of Sony micro-single NEX-F3 has been obviously improved, and it can also get good image quality by upgrading the high sensitivity to ISO 1600, which is very excellent in the current mirrorless cameras. I just suggest that you can add 1/3-2/3 EV to your daily shooting, so that you can get more brilliant shooting results.

Parameter list

Main parameters of Sony NEX F3

"function

"parameter

sensor

1665438+ Million, APS-C format

Continuous shooting speed

5.5fps

speed

ISO200- 16000

concentrate

25-point autofocus

Photometric determination

1200- regional evaluation photometry

Video shooting

1920 x 1080，50i

screen

3 inches, 920 thousand pixels

roll

About117.3x66.6x41.3mm.

weight

About 255g (mainframe only)

Purchase suggestion:

Sony micro-single NEX-F3 is suitable for fashionistas, beginners and home users. For beautiful women, such a beautiful selfie is very good. At present, the price of NEX-F3 set in JD.COM Mall is 4399 yuan, and there are 8G memory chips as gifts. This price is suitable for NEX F3.