This was posted 11 years ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Sony NEX F3 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/18-55mm Lens - $358.40 Dick Smith

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Sony NEX F3 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/18-55mm Lens - $358.40 Dick Smith
Go to Deal
Grimezy on 25/04/2013 - 21:02 dicksmith.com.au (3715 clicks)

Noticed this today, was heavily considering buying this considering the price but have too many camera's at the moment to warrant another one at the moment.

A majority of other stores are currently selling these for $400-$500, it even seems to be the cheapest in the world.

This was after a quick search for pricing.

Australia
Harvey Norman - $547

America
Amazon - $448.99 + Ship
B+H - $399 + Ship

Grey Import
DWI - $459 + Ship
Citiwide - $440 + Ship

Great little camera if you want something in between a Compact and an DSLR for a decent price.

Electrical & Electronics Camera Sony

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Dick Smith / Kogan
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closed Comments

  • NotJustChickenDinner on 25/04/2013 - 21:12
    +1

    +1 for actually being in stock at every store near 6000 + 3000 postcodes, makes a change from the recent dse deals

  • Albert Hall on 25/04/2013 - 21:25
    +1

    In stock in every store on the Gold Coast. I pick my one up tomorrow. A bargain APS-C camera now superseded by the smaller Nex-3N. A bargain. Glad I missed out on Teds $399 deal…

    • medium_tight on 26/04/2013 - 01:50

      In Stock: Rockdale, North Sydney and Randwick (Eastern suburb) !

      Good deal + good post ( because dickies has the stock )

  • junk3569 on 25/04/2013 - 21:29
    +1

    Anyone can comment on this camera? Pros and Cons?

    • NigelTufnel on 26/04/2013 - 10:05

      I've got one and I love it. Stepped up from p&s and pics are 100x better. Great in low light and for nice dof. The only cons is the lack of the evf and thw somewhat clumsy menu, but once you set up the custom buttons I find it easy to adjust, but I generally stay in apperture mode and adjust the iso to suit.

      I also have the Sigma 30mm which I would highly recommend. There was a great deal for one at teds yesterday.

  • jac9meo on 25/04/2013 - 21:33

    is it an older model?
    checked sony website, couldn't find it in the current model lineup.

    • Albert Hall on 25/04/2013 - 21:34
      +2

      Superseded by the Nex-3N. All NEX camera share the same lenses, the F3 is slightly larger than its replacement. A lot of camera at a bargain price. Same size sensor as a DSLR…

      • dy4me on 25/04/2013 - 21:44

        how do the mirror less compare to DSLR's?

        • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2013 - 21:54
          +18

          One has a mirror whilst the other is mirrorless

        • dy4me on 25/04/2013 - 23:04

          more like image quality

        • bbyboy on 26/04/2013 - 00:34

          youre asking the wrong question. each dslr is different. some dslr are shit some are good

        • cannedhams on 26/04/2013 - 11:22

          there is no viewfinder. you have to aim based on the lcd screen.

        • Albert Hall on 25/04/2013 - 22:09
          +1

          No

        • EnALup on 26/04/2013 - 02:30
          +3

          He did not say FULL Frame DSLR.
          Standard DSLRs have same sensor size.

        • johnno07 on 26/04/2013 - 11:18
          +4

          Just stop, alwayseric!
          Referring to something as a DSLR implies exactly squat about the size of its sensor - it just means it has a moving mirror inside. When someone says that a mirrorless camera with an APS-C sensor has a sensor the same size as some DSLRs, then they are obviously referring to APS-C DSLRs and similar sized equivalents!

          I feel stupid having to write a paragraph to explain something as simple as that. I hope you feel the same.

        • EnALup on 26/04/2013 - 12:01

          Full Frame DSLRs are over 2k and not standard. Are you seriously comparing the sensor of a full frame with with this one?

          Most of the DSLR available in the market from entry level and mid level are APS-C or lower sensors.

          NEX series have great sensors.

  • CVonC on 25/04/2013 - 22:16
    +1

    nice price with a tilting lcd screen too

    kinda regretting my olympus e-pm1 purchase a couple of weeks ago now.. but that came with a dual lens kit so…

    • grab_ur_freebies on 25/04/2013 - 23:13

      I have an E-PM1 from the HN sale last August & the unit is not all bad (eg. fast AF).

      Everything will always be replaced by newer models, so just offload your old one before it gets too old (ie. depreciation).

  • vash12 on 26/04/2013 - 00:15

    Compare to the epm-1, the NEX F3 has slower AF and fewer lenses to choose from ?

    • bbyboy on 26/04/2013 - 00:37

      yes to the fewer lenses since all micro 4/3 lenses will fit all 4/3 bodies

    • johnn on 26/04/2013 - 01:07

      NEX series do have bigger sensors though (APS-C compared to M4/3) and generally provide better low-light performance.

      Also, when I had my NEX5 I used a FD-to-E mount adapter so that I could use the older Canon FD mount lenses. There's plenty of good quality glass on eBay going for cheap- you can pick up a 50mm f/1.4 for <$100. The older lenses also had manual aperture control, which is handy since the cheapo non-electrical mount adapters don't provide in-camera aperture control.

      • rt1 on 26/04/2013 - 07:15
        +1

        F/1.4? You don't mean f/1.8?

        • johnn on 26/04/2013 - 20:42
          +2

          Nope, not a typo. You can find used 50mm f/1.4 FD mount canon lenses for <$100

          This one just sold recently for $75 shipped

  • YZYgold on 26/04/2013 - 01:01

    F3 has a way better sensor than the e-pm1 and mabe even better or similar to the epm2

    • vash12 on 26/04/2013 - 01:10

      For beginners , Is it better to master the kit lens first before upgrading to different lenses like pancake or zoom ?

      • YZYgold on 26/04/2013 - 02:16

        not exactly, just that different lenses give different effect, focal range. like pancakes are primes and are usually sharper. THe kit lens is usually just a versatile lens.

    • vash12 on 26/04/2013 - 09:51

      But NEX is alot bulker than a m4/3 camera?

      • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 10:01

        This is why I've continued to stick to Micro Four Thirds (at least, as my main camera system). I like the NEX bodies a lot and they're mostly smaller than Micro Four Thirds bodies but the lenses are too big for me to be able to carry around wherever I go. Hard to beat the 14mm pancake/20mm pancake/45mm combo when I'm out and about. No need to carry a camera bag. Can't do that with the NEX.

        And in terms of image quality, most of the current gen Micro Four Thirds cameras are super close to APS-C sized cameras. I can still produce pleasing pictures using first gen Micro Four Thirds cameras so it's not an issue for me.

        That said, I've found that a lot of my older manual focus lenses (from the film era) are better on the NEX in terms of image quality so I'm constantly on the look out for second hand NEX cameras at a good price.

        • vash12 on 26/04/2013 - 10:21

          Thanks, I am leaning more towards the m4/3. Still deciding though.

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 10:48
          +1

          If you're happy with the size (and a lot of people are), there's nothing wrong with the NEX in my opinion.

          If you don't mind using an older M4/3 camera, the E-PL1 with kit lens can be had for $199.

          http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/101490610494
          (keep in mind that once it's out of stock, you might get redirected to the login page)

          I've used that briefly and it's as capable as any other mirrorless camera for stills. Not that good for videos though.

          EDIT: Or the Panasonic GF2 for $1 more. That 14mm pancake lens is sweet, I love shooting with it.

          http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/127900065072

        • CVonC on 26/04/2013 - 12:10

          wow that's cheap

          and they even have the e-pm1 single lens kit for $250 —> http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/101490610620

          are these grey stock?

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 13:12
          +1

          It says full Australian warranty but I'm not sure if grey import or not. Does full Australian warranty mean it's not a grey import?

          At that price, I'd pick the E-PM1 over the E-PL1 unless you like having a built in flash that you can bounce up (nice effect and pretty handy) plus extra buttons. But I''ve been using an E-PM1 for a week and I love it. At least it can o okay video unlike the older Pens.

        • jakentta on 26/04/2013 - 14:27

          My local DSE (Shepparton, VIC) had Olympus Pen Mini (which I assume is the E-PM1, although I didn't check) twin lens kit on clearance for $298. Felt pretty tempted, but not sure if it would be worthy upgrade to my E-P2. Might have to get it just for the lenses, although what really want are primes, but just can't afford them now.

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 14:40

          Good price. If you need the lenses then go for it and maybe sell the body. That said, you can probably get a used 45mm f1.8 for a little less than that. Or the Panasonic 20mm f1.7. Or the 17mm f2.8 for much less than that.

          I had the E-P2 until last week and I've had the E-PM1 since last week. E-MP1 is better for videos. And is more responsive (faster AF, much shorter lag after shooting). But the E-P2 is nicer to shoot with since you have quick access to controls. And surprisingly enough, the shadow/dark areas in JPGs are much better with the E-P2. There's some smearing going on with the E-PM1 and even the E-P3. Very disappointing since I was so used to the excellent E-P2 JPGs. But if you shoot raw then no biggie.

        • jakentta on 26/04/2013 - 14:51

          Yeah, I've got the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 as my only lens now and I love it's image. Although I am not 100% sure whether it's the lens or Olympus' highly praised JPEG algorithms that give me the look I like. I used to shoot only raw on my Canon DSLR, but with five kids now, there's just no time to ever work on the raws. Anyway, it's just the autofocus speed and sometimes accuracy with the E-P2 and 20mm that I'm not completely happy with, but again I'm not sure if it's the lens or the body that's to blame.

        • CVonC on 26/04/2013 - 17:35

          yeah i've got the E-PM1 twin lens kit too from dse

          i used it to take pics and vids from the stone music festival last weekend.. the video is very very wobbly with IS on as it uses digital IS instead of the sensor shift IS that it uses for stills.. i was using the 40-150 lens and on full zoom.. the audio was quite distorted too since the bass was jacked up so much in the stadium.. but the pics did turn out to be pretty good even on full zoom

          in the dpreview of the E-PM1, they said to turn down the noise reduction

          "As we point out, however, in the Photographic Tests section of this review, the default NF Standard setting is very aggressive. We find preservation of fine detail in real-world images to be more successful with the noise filter at its minimum setting or even turned off altogether for images at ISO 1600 and lower."

          anyways i'm pretty happy with it.. it's just a little bit cumbersome having to switch from the 14-42 and 40-150 all the time.. would be nice to have a grip too

          and yeah i don't know what "full australian warranty" means either. i'm leaning towards grey stock though

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 18:26

          You have more room to play with in terms of dynamic range with the RAW files (which is nice to have in certain occasions) but other than that, I was more than happy to shoot JPG. I actually preferred the JPG colours over the RAW colours. (You can get the same colours in the RAWs if you use the Olympus software but I'm a Lightroom user.) I'm a big fan and I hope the JPGs are similar in the current gen Olympus cameras and not like how they are on the E-P3/E-PM1 (which aren't bad but a step back).

        • jakentta on 26/04/2013 - 19:40
          +1

          Well, I didn't realise they still had the 25% off the ticketed clearance price. So, I got the whole E-PM1 twin lens kit for $223.50! I got the last black kit, would've actually preferred silver. There was one more left, but that was purple and the guy who sold it to me said he might get it for himself. Nikon J1 twin lens kit seemed interesting too, $496 ticketed clearance price, so that'd be $372 after the 25% off. Also they had Canon 650D twin IS lens kit on clearance for $748.50, making it $561!

        • vash12 on 26/04/2013 - 19:56

          Where did you get the epm 1 twin kit for $223.50? Most dse store are out of stock.

        • jakentta on 26/04/2013 - 20:21

          See a few comments up, from Shepparton, VIC. Ticketed price $298 on clearance and 25% off that. And like I said, purple twin kit was left as of 17:30 tonight, but the sales guy said he might buy it for himself. Amazing price, I must say.

  • willl on 26/04/2013 - 06:33
    +1

    Here's a review of it - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-nex-f3

    For what it is, seems pretty decent.

    However, note that if you want to use an external flash, you only have one choice. There's no hot shoe.

  • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 07:32

    Not bad price. Just personal preference but I'd rather spend a little extra and get the NEX 5N.

    http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/106690545322

    • Stanvx on 26/04/2013 - 07:43

      What's the difference?

      Thanks.

    • ddhytz on 26/04/2013 - 07:44

      That is good price for 5N.

      • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 09:09

        Yeah I spent most of yesterday trying to decide if I should get it. They had a white twin lens kit for $50 more yesterday but now gone. If any of those were silver I think I would've bought one,

    • LoungeLizard on 26/04/2013 - 09:09
      +1

      http://www.photocontinental.com.au/products/106690545322

      "You must login to view this page" Uhm, no thanks

      • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 09:11

        Ahh that means it's out of stock. If they still had stock you'd see the link. Now I can't see it either. Some OzBargainers are way too fast :)

        • LoungeLizard on 26/04/2013 - 09:12

          OK. Why not say that? Strange.

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 09:14

          Yeah I went through that yesterday from that other Photo Continental deal posted. I thought I was imagining things.

        • Stanvx on 26/04/2013 - 09:58

          Well at least them being out of stock makes my decision easier.. Thanks

      • japik on 26/04/2013 - 09:14

        I saw it before and said low stock. Now I get login screen.

  • jfkingdom1 on 26/04/2013 - 09:26
    +1

    Wow this is actually very cheap expecially it's local stock. Would jump on this have I not got a camera already

  • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 10:18

    By the way, I love how this is in the Point & Shoot section of the Dick Smith website :p Nice going techsperts.

    Seems like there's still stock around Wollongong in case anyone in the area wants one.

  • drprox on 26/04/2013 - 10:24
    +1

    just picked one up at highpoint :) thanks OP

  • TrendyTim on 26/04/2013 - 10:38
    +2

    I bought it late last year for ~600 used it for someone to video my wedding, and also took it on honeymoon, its a brilliant camera, i've you've never had a DSLR before (i hadnt). I was able to have it in auto mode and take photos the same way as point and shoot, but i could do it while walking see something to snap a photo of, aim half press then full press and it would be all done, while P&S cameras you have to stop be very still and you can still end up with blury photos.

    The major downside is there is no viewfinder its purely LCD screen (you can buy a LCD based viewfinder attachment for an obscene amount) this can make it hard when taking photos in very bright sunlight as it washes out the screen (unless you put a sheet over your head and part of the camera).

    • voter1 on 26/04/2013 - 11:29

      you can buy a hood for the lcd - would make shooting in bright sunlight a little better.

      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LCD-Screen-Hood-Pop-Up-Shade-Cove…

      something like this

      • TrendyTim on 26/04/2013 - 14:03

        Actually, I have seen them on ebay, but was not sold on the idea, not sure why though.

    • TrendyTim on 26/04/2013 - 14:54

      Just to add to this, for the video, i had to use AVCHD mode becuase for some stupid reason in MP4 mode its not 1080p.

      Both modes have a 2gb file limit due to fat32 and it doesnt automatically create a new file so you have to wait for it to stop automatically, or stop it at a good point before 30mins. I guess that is a way to prevent the camera from eating into their camcorder sales too much.

      • bbyboy on 26/04/2013 - 15:00

        isnt it suppose to be 4gb max with fat32

      • eug on 26/04/2013 - 17:57

        The small NEXes aren't designed to be video cameras. If you leave them recording for too long, you'll get the dreaded overheating message (unless you're in a cool or cold environment!).

        29min59sec is the max a file can be. You can restart the recording but the camera will overheat not long after that.

        https://www.google.com.au/search?safe=active&site=&source=hp…

        p.s. strictly speaking, AVCHD uses MPEG4 part 10 so it's the same. Just use AVCHD and pretend the MP4 option doesn't exist.

        • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 18:29

          Consider getting a Panasonic camera if you wanna record long videos. I've never any issues with overheating or whatever with my GF1 & GH1. Not sure how the current gen Panasonic cameras are but I can record videos on my GF1/GH1 until the card runs out of space (videos are split in chunks if it exceeds 3.9GB or something).

  • justtoreply on 26/04/2013 - 10:48
    -1

    OP, the grammar police are coming to get you. Well, they are considering it at the moment.

  • Mikeshashimi on 26/04/2013 - 10:54

    Tempted to get it as a side-gun

  • rendezvous on 26/04/2013 - 13:36

    How does this camera compare to the RX100?

    • JetLi on 26/04/2013 - 14:03

      Both will give you great photos, i think it comes down to pocketability + changing lenses. If you plan to only use the kit lens with the F3, I'll personally fork out the extra money and get the RX100. Although the F3 body is small, the kit lens is huge relatively speaking and the lens of the RX100 is better & faster.

      • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 14:48

        I can only speak for myself but I know that I'd be able to capture more memories with my RX100 than the F3 since my RX100 comes with me wherever I go whereas I won't be able to bring the F3 everywhere. I don't even bring my Micro Four Thirds gear everywhere and they're much smaller than the F3 with kit lens. The RX100 is the first pocketable camera (fits in my shirt pocket) where I've felt that I'm not missing out on much when it comes to image quality. It really is DSLR quality in your pocket.

        If you wanna experiment with different lenses (I do and I have a lot of fun doing it) then by all means get the F3. But I'm with JetLi, I'd be going with the RX100 if I'll only be using the kit lens.

  • ITveteran on 26/04/2013 - 14:30
    -1

    How is this compared to samsung nx1000?

  • bonus999 on 26/04/2013 - 14:45

    very good camera, I bought it almost the same price when it first launched last year.

  • zhaomh on 26/04/2013 - 15:14

    Reserved one from Carlingford, thanks OP

  • dabaodedouzi on 26/04/2013 - 16:09

    it seems bettter than pentax q

    any one compare this two?

    • bargainjargon on 26/04/2013 - 18:32

      This is better in terms of image quality (the Pentax Q is no slouch though) but the Pentax Q has a ton of functions not found in most consumer grade (and some pro) cameras. Plus good luck fitting this in your pocket.

      Depends on what you're after really. The Q is a lot of fun to shoot with but some people can't get past the sensor size. I will say though that the lenses on the Q aren't cheap.

    • cheepwun on 26/04/2013 - 19:17

      Pentax Q has more useful direct controls, standard hot-shoe mount and better menus and far smaller size of both body and lenses.

      Sony has better pic quality and more lens choice and no standard hot-shoe. But there are many more areas that can be compared, and some of the answers would simply be subjective.

  • jac9meo on 26/04/2013 - 18:06

    Bought one from Prahan store, thanks OP.

  • kml22 on 26/04/2013 - 18:29

    Bought one too, awesome camera for that price. Love it. I'm sick of my bulky 550D.
    Thanks OP.

    • cheepwun on 26/04/2013 - 19:53

      You will use the 550D when the sun gets in the way (or when you want to mount a bounce flash, etc.)
      ;)

    • m2000 on 27/04/2013 - 11:16

      Me too. I dont mind the bluckiness but the slr are just heavy especially when you have it all day long…

  • Pyongyang on 26/04/2013 - 20:08

    Bought one, thanks OP!

  • sancuso on 27/04/2013 - 03:39

    I am in a hunt of an upgrade of my point and shot, and I was thinking in a Canon 1100D… but i admit that I am very tempted to get this… just wondering if a Canon 1100D would give me better pics than thisone? Its going to be my own bday present.

    Thanks

    • snajper on 27/04/2013 - 06:52

      canon 1100d is very basic slr and is ok for outside shooting. low light indoor performance is rather horrible. f3 should be much better sensor…..

      Lets not forget that you can use minolta rokkor lenses and miolta/sony A mount lenses with adapter.

      • ddhytz on 27/04/2013 - 07:31

        You can use almost any lenses on a NEX camera with adapter

        • johnn on 27/04/2013 - 12:19

          Keep in mind with the cheap adapters on eBay that there is no electrical connection whatsoever, so autofocus and in-camera aperture control is out of the question.

          The proper electrical connection adapters are usually pretty expensive and add a quite lot of bulk- sort of defeating the purpose of having a mirrorless camera to cut down on size.

        • EnALup on 28/04/2013 - 00:25

          but you could always do manual focus.
          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l6A-psiYD8

        • johnn on 28/04/2013 - 18:28

          but you could always do manual focus

          Yup, that's what I did when I used my FD mount lenses.

          I was more addressing the notion that you can use almost any lenses on the NEX series. Technically you can, but with newer lenses you get the problem that you can't control aperture at all since they're all electronically controlled. This is unless you buy a bulky and expensive electronic adapter.

  • jekel on 27/04/2013 - 12:28

    Just went to Watergardens after using click and collect but it was floor stock :(

    Luckily Caroline Springs had some stock………really looking forward to trying this out, have been thinking of slr for awhile but really can't justify the cost/need.

    Upgrading from a Canon Ixus 85……..lol………should be a huge upgrade.

    • bobdane1 on 28/04/2013 - 03:30

      Don't worry, it will be a huge upgrade. I went from an Ixus130 to the nex 3, couldn't be more happier with the quality.

  • sancuso on 27/04/2013 - 12:58

    decided to buy it but.. I just called all the dick smith stores… all of them have the display one only! SYDNEY

  • Albert Hall on 27/04/2013 - 17:36

    All stores on the Gold Coast still showing stock.

    • m2000 on 27/04/2013 - 19:19

      Yes, still plenty of stock in some STATES eg Adelaide 5000

  • orrinxu on 27/04/2013 - 17:58

    went to norwood SA and picked up mine

  • biawak on 28/04/2013 - 09:47

    Still on the website today but not sure if they still honour it. Got one yesterday at Box Hill. They had one more left (demo unit).
    Found another deal when I was there; a $36 Nikon S30 digital camera, good for the kids!

  • eyao70 on 28/04/2013 - 16:31

    Bought one too, any one knows how long for the first charge, still showing low battery.

    • Ahanafi on 28/04/2013 - 17:35

      Yeah mine too, it's been at least two hours…

      Manual says 280 minutes for a full charge. I couldn't get my SD card formatted, the function is disabled at the moment. Apparently it should be enabled once there's enough charge, hopefully.

      • eyao70 on 28/04/2013 - 20:15

        checked earlier, now got 60% charged, looks good now.

  • Ahanafi on 28/04/2013 - 17:35

    I picked one up at Greensborough VIC. It was advertised as the old price though, but after I asked they gave it for the sale price.

  • Ahanafi on 28/04/2013 - 17:40

    Were your boxes sealed guys? My box didn't have a seal on it, and the battery was dead at 0%…

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