tldr; 2011 entry NEX. 16.2MP, compact body, no EVF. Budget E-mount from early mirrorless era. Dated.
$11.99 on AmazonBest praise vs top criticism for Sony NEX-C3
“When I was choosing my first camera, I wanted something small with interchangeable lenses, the option to use older lenses, and a good larger sensor. It was at a time when Canon and Nikon were rejecting mirrorless, other brands either had Micro Four Thirds or were more expensive, and then there was SONY with their NEX line and the C3 model, which is still probably one of the smallest APS-C cameras with interchangeable lenses and an easy way to use FD lenses. Something cheap, simple to learn on... Plus, I believed in mirrorless and in Sony’s overall design.”
“Not weather sealed/built to withstand snow. Keeping it in a lenscoat breathable waterproof sleeve might help. Need to watch for condensation at night. The condensation in the tent from one night in the cairngorms wrecked my Sony nex. Personally I'd still chance it though”
5 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 4/4/2026