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Sony Alpha NEX-3N (hands-on, pictures)

Sony's smallest, cheapest interchangeable-lens camera has a nice design with one annoying cut corner.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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1 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

For small hands only

Josh's hands dwarf the NEX-3N.
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2 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Diminutive

The 3N is a wee bit smaller than the NEX-F3 it replaces.
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3 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Flexible flash

The 3N's flash tilts back for more effective flash exposures.
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4 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Zoom on board

The body has a zoom switch that allows the camera to operate more like a point-and-shoot for zooming when equipped with a power zoom lens.
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5 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

Self portrait

Like the F3, the 3N's LCD flips up and automatically reverses and enters self-timer mode for self-portraits. The grip is smaller than the F3's, though, which I thought was a little insufficient.
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6 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

No downward tilt

The LCD flips up but frustratingly, doesn't tilt down.
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7 of 7 Lori Grunin/CNET

SD card where it belongs

Rather than inconveniently placed in a battery compartment, the SD card slot is on the side.

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