LCD, viewfinder and video
Having the bracket of the Sony NEX-F3’s LCD screen extend to a 180° tilt is clever, but it does seem to limit the amount of downward tilt available, and when the bracket is fully extended the ribbon that connects the monitor is left slightly exposed. The bracket appears sturdy, however, and for waist-level shots it is enjoyable to use.
The LCD screen has a 921,600-dot resolution and provides a clear, crisp image for composition and review. Making use of this screen and its bracket meant that I seldom missed having an electronic viewfinder. However, the EVF designed for the NEX-5N is also compatible with the NEX-F3. It has an impressive 2.359-million-dot resolution, if a high price tag of £320.
One of the reasons for the new sensor in the NEX-F3 is its ability to shoot full HD video. Using the AVCHD format, this is available at 1080 (50i), or 720p in the simpler MP4 format at 720p. A stereo microphone is built into the body, while colour modes such as vivid, sunset and
black & white can also be applied to video.
