Used Sony NEX-3 | Sony | UsedLens.co.uk

Great for: travel general street

Sony's 2010 entry mirrorless — 14MP APS-C in the first NEX generation.

The Sony NEX-3 launched in 2010 alongside the NEX-5 as one of the first two E-mount mirrorless cameras, opening Sony's compact APS-C system. It was the plainer plastic-bodied entry model and was replaced within a year by the NEX-C3.

It pairs a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with the BIONZ processor, contrast-detect autofocus with 25 areas, ISO 200-12800 and 720p MP4 video. The 3-inch 921k-dot LCD tilts up and down, there is no built-in flash but a small clip-on unit ships in the box, and the body weighs about 297g with battery using the NP-FW50.

Against the NEX-5 it gives up the magnesium shell, 1080i video and infrared remote but keeps the same sensor and images. As the very first entry NEX it now trades mainly as a cheap body for adapting vintage glass or for infrared conversion, where its simple layout is no handicap.

Bodies are plentiful and cheap, so pay for condition and the bundled flash unit rather than shutter count. Check the tilting screen ribbon works through its range, confirm the NP-FW50 battery holds charge and that the kit 18-55mm shows no OSS rattle. Converted full-spectrum bodies command a premium to specialists.

Avg £103, up 8.0% over 1 week

Price history ↓

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The Sony NEX-3 typically sells around £103 when in stock.

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Used Sony NEX-3 price history

Tracking the used Sony NEX-3 price? Over the past week, the average has risen 8.0%, from £96 to around £103. Depending on shutter count and condition, expect to pay between £103 and £103 for a used body.

Average market price (line) and typical price range (shaded). Source: UsedLens daily price index, 16 Jul – 28 Jul 2026.