Sony announces A3000 and NEX-5T mirrorless cameras

Sony has released two new NEX based cameras today including a refresh of its mid-range NEX-5 mirrorless camera. The second camera is the very DSLR-esque A3000 that has been placed in the price bracket of a point-and-shoot.

The A3000 is a mirrorless camera that features interchangeable lens as well as DSLR capabilities in a snug package. It features a high-resolution 20.1MP Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor, a bright electronic viewfinder and the lens mount that you can find on Sony’s E-mount camera range. This will keep the A3000 relevant to the Sony's growing assortment of lenses.

The 20.MP APS-C sized sensor is the same size you’ll find in traditional DSLRs and will let you click images as well as full HD videos. The sensor is also supposed to help boost sensitivity for better quality in low-light conditions, pegging A3000 a notch above traditional point-and shoots. It will also feature an electronic Tru-Finder that will display a variety of shooting information as well as a live preview of the image.

Sony A3000 is very DSLR-esque

The camera is designed to give off a classic DSLR feel with a standard PASM mode dial and several customisable control buttons. The A3000 will offer picture effects for the Instagram-crazy clickers.

The company has also launched the NEX-5T compact camera with lens-interchangeability. The camera gets NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities for quick sharing of pictures and features a 16.1MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor for DSLR-quality images as well as the ability to capture full HD videos. The kit will contain the SELP1650 motorised zoom lens that measures 1.2 inches in thickness when fully retracted. The lens contains built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation.

The NEX-5T will feature the Fast Hybrid AD auto focus technology that was present in last year’s NEX-5R model too. The technology has an intuitive focusing system that uses 99 phase-detection AF points on the image sensor to detect a subject’s distance and quickly lock focus.

Sony NEX-5T is the latest in Sony's NEX range

The A3000 will be available in early September for about $400 (Rs 25,700 approx) paired with a black 18-55mm zoom kit lens, model SEL1855. The NEX-5T will hit stores in September too and will be available for $700 (Rs 45,000 approx) with 16-50mm motorized zoom lens, model SELP1650 or as a body-only for about $550 (Rs 35,350 approx).