Are Sony NEX Cameras Still Worth Buying? My Four Picks
PublishedIf you buy through an affiliate link in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The quick answer
Sony NEX cameras can be a worthwhile entry into photography and video on a tight budget. In my 2020 video, the NEX-5N was my overall value pick, the NEX-C3 and NEX-6 were my choices for photography at different budgets, and the NEX-7 was my pick for video.
Those recommendations reflect my experience and the used prices I discussed when I filmed. Compare current prices and the condition of each complete setup before deciding.
Watch the full video
Watch the full video on YouTube.
Which Sony NEX camera would I choose?
I've owned almost the entire NEX series, and my answer depends on what you want to shoot and how much you can spend. These are the four bodies I highlighted in the video.
| Camera | My pick for | Why it stood out |
|---|---|---|
| NEX-5N | Overall budget value | Small body, 16-megapixel photos and Full HD video |
| NEX-C3 | Lowest-budget photography | 16-megapixel sensor with more resolution than the original NEX-3 |
| NEX-6 | Photography with more to spend | My favorite all-around NEX body for stills |
| NEX-7 | Video | Microphone input and convenient exposure controls |
Sony NEX-5N: my overall budget pick
The NEX-5N sits in the middle of the range, and that balance is why I picked it as the best overall value. It has a compact body, a 16.1-megapixel sensor, and Full HD video. It gives someone starting out room in the budget to put money toward lenses.
The video modes I discuss include 1080p at 24p and up to 60p on the version I describe. Regional versions differ: Sony also lists 25p and 50p. The camera has no standard microphone input, although a compatible Sony accessory microphone can attach to its accessory port. I would consider that option for basic vlogging, with realistic expectations about the audio.
NEX-C3 and NEX-6: my photography picks
For a very tight photography budget, I chose the NEX-C3 over the original NEX-3. Its 16.2-megapixel sensor gives you more resolution than the original model's roughly 14 megapixels, and in the video I thought the extra cost was small enough to justify. I would put the remaining budget toward lenses.
The C3 records 720p video, so I would look elsewhere if video is a priority. The NEX-6 was my choice for someone able to spend more on a stills camera. I thought of it as a small step behind the a6000 and liked its overall combination of performance and build. Its sensor is about 16 megapixels, compared with the NEX-7's roughly 24 megapixels.
One correction to the video: I called the NEX-6 the newest NEX camera. Sony announced the NEX-5T after it, in 2013. That correction doesn't change which cameras I preferred for these uses.
NEX-7: my pick for video
The NEX-7 stood out to me because it has a microphone input and two top dials that make exposure adjustments more convenient. For filmmaking, YouTube or family videos where sound matters, those controls are useful even if its footage isn't a dramatic leap over the rest of the line.
It does not record 4K. If the NEX-7 costs too much for your budget, the 5N is the compromise I would consider for both photos and video, keeping its audio connection limits in mind.
Are Sony NEX cameras right for beginners?
I think these cameras make sense for learning photography or video, or as inexpensive secondary bodies, when the price is right. They use interchangeable lenses and offer small bodies, so leave room in the budget for a suitable lens as well as the camera.
In the video I described used prices ranging from roughly $60 for an original NEX-3 to $300 for a NEX-7, with the 5N around $100 to $150. Those were estimates at the time of filming, not current prices or guaranteed complete kits. Check the exact model, included lens and accessories, and condition before buying.
For professional photo or video work, I would look toward a newer camera such as the a6400 or a7 III rather than assuming an old budget body will meet every requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Which NEX camera is best for photos and video on a budget?
The NEX-5N was my overall value pick because it combines a 16-megapixel sensor with Full HD video in a small body. The tradeoff for video is the lack of a standard microphone jack.
Does the NEX-7 record 4K?
No. I recommended it for its microphone input and exposure controls, not 4K recording.
Is the NEX-C3 a good choice for video?
I chose it for inexpensive photography. Its 720p video makes the 5N a more compelling option if Full HD video matters to you.
My verdict
I still like the NEX line as an affordable way to learn, provided the individual camera and lens are a good value. My starting point is the NEX-5N, while the C3, 6 and 7 each make sense for the specific uses above. For more camera reviews and examples, visit FoxTailWhipz on YouTube.