Optics / haptics: very good
My (Black) NEX3N acts for a "plastic" camera absolutely processed with value and solid - I could find no assembly error, striking gaps or improper splices. The lens is stuck and nothing seems poorly finished. The case of this NEX is small compared to NEX6 or NEX7 and slender (but also a little less grip), which I think is good, because I really wanted a "Jack Pocket Camera". The lens is not processed waaaahnsinnig quality, but for me it is just a kit lens, which when switched off has very compact proportions.
Image quality: very good
Here I would like to distinguish. For me it's a huge difference what the sensor is able to achieve (.arw) and which delivers the camera with kit lens (.jpg). As far as I can judge visually on my 27 "monitor and without measurement programs, the RAW data from the NEX which my D7000 to ISO3200 are at least equal to what the noise behavior terms (detail in original size 1: 1 I have set). In the JPEG -data I would think that NEX is from ISO 1600 better positioned than my D7000 in terms of the noise. Because the internal noise reduction seems to work better from the A99 than Nikon. The ISO Auto is not indeed be limited, however, since the Images in my opinion anyway to ISO 3200 (ISO limit the automatic) are used without problems, I do not really care.
Now briefly to the objective: here, too, I must say that this (you can see the raw data) has to fight really hard with distortion and vignetting! These are, of course, improve with editing software, but really better than the internal correction you do not get's usually probably out. Then probably only about 18 or 19 instead of 16 mm focal length remain that through this circumcision of the images, do not bother me, as other kit lenses with 18mm focal length are not completely free of distortion. More really negative there's me at the moment and not 16-50er is at least sharp :-). The silent auto focus sitting with me and now have my opinion about the three zoom options: ie the zoom lever on the trigger had been probably only the 3N, which is why, for example, represent the NEX6 only 2 zoom options are available.. And you also need, if one focuses times manually because then that even the zoom ring on the lens is eliminated (becomes the focus ring), thus only the power zoom lever remains on the lens to zoom ... and want to zoom the NEX 5, 6 and 7 during MF operation, or :-)!?!
I have (our cat) uploaded a 2nd image still showing the picture quality of this kit in poor conditions.
Rest Equipment: good
Clear, 3 frames / s are not the best and retouch / viewfinder / hot shoe also missing ... but for the price and the offered performance you just have to make concessions somewhere (who else would buy another NEX if the 3er even everything would offer ... at the image quality there's hardly any difference, according to trade press). HDR shooting and bracketing are possible and the swiveling LCD (do not worry, the resolution is sufficient) is also good. Because of lack of GPS and Wi-Fi I evaluate the Nex not down, because I would not do that in a DSLR also (has even in these not yet consistently enforced) and it still goes me to the image quality - and there's the Nex par with the DSLR. So if you only look at all the equipment, should probably be wrong and may like to be happy with his camera here. But please then does not the Nex bad, just because it's 350-Euro-Compact is that Wi-Fi and GPS have - have not for picture quality ;-).
Conclusion: for me the NEX3 is a price-performance hit and I'm going to book now yet the 30mm-type of sigma pick :-) ... much love to take pictures!