After plenty of leaks and speculation, Sony has finally unveiled its NEX-F3 mirrorless interchangeable-lens compact camera. This entry-level compact system camera (CSC) comes as a replacement for the Sony NEX-C3, which will reportedly be phased out in the near future. The new camera features a 16.1 million pixel APS HD CMOS sensor, the same as the sensor found on the Sony Alpha 37 DSLR, the other new addition to Sony's lineup. The soon-to-be-replaced Sony NEX-C3 features a 16.1-megapixel sensor as well, but has a different design.

Processor

The new Sony NEX-F3 is powered by the same third-generation Bionz processor that first debuted on Sony's flagship DSLR - the Sony a77 camera. Due to this processor, the camera can deliver a wide sensitivity range between ISO 200 and 16,000, as well as Full HD video recording.

Other Additions

The new Sony NEX-F3 sports several other improvements, including a new built-in pop-up flash, increased battery performance, and a new screen that can be tilted to 180 degrees for easier self-portrait shooting. Moreover, if the screen is tilted to 180 degrees when shooting in Auto mode, the camera will automatically enter the self-portrait mode and set a self-timer delay of three seconds. The camera also includes Auto self portrait framing, which means it crops an image to provide the optimum composition. The camera will also keep the original file, enabling users to crop the shots themselves if they prefer.

Superior Auto Mode

Sony has also tweaked the fully automatic Superior Auto mode and added several new features, including Auto HDR and hand-held twilight. In the Auto HDR mode, the camera automatically detects the type of scene you want to photograph, and selects the appropriate settings.

Meanwhile, Clear Image Zoom works just like a digital zoom, only it uses Sony's By Pixel Super Resolution interpolation technology. According to Sony, this technology allows for superior quality while maintaining image size. Clear Image Zoom delivers up to double the magnification of the lens focal length.

The new Sony NEX-F3 will be available starting in early June, with a $599 price tag in the U.S. and £530 in the UK.