Hey guys!

Just got my NEX F3D and Ultra-Wide Angle Adapter (to convert my 16mm to a 12mm ultra wide lens!) last night as I need something light for photography of my upcoming overseas trip.

I have to say, the F3's tilt-able flash is seriously AWESOME!
Tested it last night in a dimly-lit cafe bar and it works just like a external bounce flash.

The bounce-performance is 'almost' (like my Canon 580EX2 flash on my Canon 60D), which is very shocking.

One of my most happiest camera purchases so far, I can say!

As albnok has kindly posted a pic of a NEX using tilt-able flash (so far only the NEX 7 and F3 are capable), I'll try to shoot some sample shots tonight and post here.

No worries bro.
I'll post it up soon once I'm free.

However, the NEX F3 and NEX 7 aren't the first cameras to come out with built-in tilt-able flash for such a compact size. The Panasonic GX1 already has a tilt-able flash and it came out about last year or so. However, the small sensor of the GX1 would render the flash not practical to be used as a bounce-flash. However, when it comes to the large APS-C sensors on the NEX, it's a whole different story altogether.

The best part I love is that the TTL (for burst power, automatic shutter, and ISO control, etc.) for the flash works really well when the flash is bouncing.

haha. same here. my wife was pestering me to get the F3 white version, so had to get it.

As promised, the test-shots for the BOUNCE FLASH test from my NEX-F3.

---> First photo - No Flash. Notice how dark the ambient lighting is in the room.



---> Second photo - With Flash (Direct Angle). Notice how harsh the flash affected the subject.



---> Third photo - With Flash (Angled to Bounce). Perfectly exposed shot.



Oh yeah, just loving my new NEX!

Thanks.

ISO 2500 on 1/60 exposure.

Of course, the NEX is very capable of taking photos without the flash due to the large APS-C sensor.
But sometimes, the lighting is just not enough and the flash is a 'must' to use, especially when you want to take photos with family and friends.

Actually I love the 5N's touch screen, but the flash of the F3 is too irresistable.

The F3 can still sell one. Sony didn't even state the 'tilt-able flash' feature in any of their advertisements. I guess cause they want people to buy those NEX external flash for the F3.

It looks force-able only. And that's it.

Haha. Not so big, bro. Typical plaster ceiling height.

5N flash definitely cannot angle. It's the same design as NEX 3, 5 and C3.

1st photo ISO 2500
2nd photo ISO 200
3rd photo ISO 1000

No point to keep the ISO fixed as it would defeat the purpose on my demo. Just imagine ISO 1000 on the 2nd photo, the flash would totally blow-out the subject.

Yup. Just a bit troublesome to bring an extra device only.

Many ways actually. The world is not the end.
My friend uses a white card attached to his Olympuse EM5 to bounce the flash to the ceiling. But what I don't like with such DIY setup is that it looks really weird, ruins the outlook of the NEX, and worst of all it reduces the already-low-powered flash's effectiveness.

Can just use a rubber band and any credit card will do and strap to the flash. Most people do this. After use, just keep the flash and rubber band in your wallet. Maybe some NEX 3, 5, 5N or C3 user can try with their detachable flash.

Just sharing some shots (for my item sale in Garage Sales ) taken with NEX-F3. Photos slightly edited in Aperture. All photos taken using built-in flash bounced direct to ceiling.

You sure can. 5N and F3 are the only supported models for the EVF.
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/se...7#compatability

For portrait, you should consider the best NEX lens available, the Zeiss 24mm.
If budget is limited, the 18-55mm OSS takes decent shots too as you can see from my pictures above.
If you are like me and into travel / landscape / interior / group photos, get the 16mm F2.8 and the VCL-ECU1 ultra-wide adapter. It converters your 16mm into a 12mm ultra-wide lens.
Perhaps you can get the NEX-F3D first, then see how it fits your photographic style and upgrade accordingly.

The optical viewfinder should have no problem with the F3. But I find it quite useless as it is basically just a mini-telescope of some sort.

If you really want a proper viewfinder and because the EVF is very expensive, best to go straight for the NEX-7 that has built-in EVF.

The SEL55210 is good if you like sports, event and wildlife photography. And for these kinds of scenes, best to use a proper DSLR, IMHO.

This post has been edited by shockk: Jun 29 2012, 01:51 PM

Today's dinner with my NEX-F3.


Focal Length - 41mm
Aperture - f/8
Shutter Speed - 1/60
ISO - 1000
Flash - Flash fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected (TTL)

If there's a group buy for NEX-7, let me know. might be interested.

Is that for NEX-7 Kit? Mind stating what extra accessories came with it and the shop name?
Thinking to get also

The 16mm F2.8 is a soft lense. Reduce the aperture to F8 or smaller (F9, F10, etc.) to increase the sharpness throughout all corners of the image.