Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC) are becoming increasingly popular. This new breed started gaining momentum with micro four-thirds cameras like the Olympus PEN E-P1, which use 4/3-type sensors that are half the size of sensors used in entry-level digital SLRs and about nine times the size of sensors used in compact cameras. The latest development in the MILC segment is models that use APS-C size sensors. The first such camera was the Samsung NX1, and now we have two models that Sony recently added to their Alpha brand, NEX-3 and NEX-5. Both models sport a 14.2 megapixel sensor and HD movie recording capabilities. The major difference between the two is that the NEX-5 boasts 1080i video recording and the NEX-3 does it at 720p.
Features:
The retail sample of NEX-3 that we got from Sony had the body, 18-55 mm kit lens, add-on flash, battery charger and neck strap. Despite a large sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), the NEX-3 is very slim (33 mm), unlike DSLRs, which are twice as thick. DSLRs get the bulk from the mirror box and the optical viewfinder mechanism through which you can see the frame via the lens. The mirror box has a mirror, which reflects the image of the frame to a five-sided prism (pentaprism). When you see through the optical viewfinder, you see the frame reflected back by the pentaprism. On releasing the shutter, the mirror flips upward and makes way for light to reach the exposed sensor. After the photo is shot, the mirror returns to its position. That’s why you hear a prominent clapping sound when you shoot with a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras are slim because they don’t use a mirrorbox. Hence, they don’t have an optical viewfinder and the flange focal distance from the lens mount to the sensor is also less. So you have to frame your shots using the LCD.
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