Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony TX66: A Hands-On, Practical Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts in 2024

When diving into the world of digital cameras, the choices can sometimes feel overwhelming - especially when comparing devices from the same brand that cater to very different audiences. Today, I’m putting two Sony cameras face-to-face that were announced around the same timeframe but speak to completely divergent photography needs: the Sony Alpha NEX-F3, an entry-level mirrorless camera from 2012, versus the sleek Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 ultracompact. Both have their charms and compromises, and whether you're a budget-conscious hobbyist or a casual shutterbug, understanding these differences can save you money and headaches down the road.

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over 15 years across genres and price points, I apply rigorous, real-world scrutiny here. Let’s unpack the nitty-gritty - from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics and battery life - and see which camera shines brightest for your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics That Define Your Shooting Experience

Picking up any camera with the intention to shoot all day boils down a lot to feel and handling. The Sony NEX-F3 embraces a mid-sized, rangefinder-style mirrorless body that accommodates interchangeable lenses. On the other hand, the Sony TX66 is an ultracompact fixed-lens point-and-shoot, designed for pure portability and pocketability.

The NEX-F3’s dimensions (117 x 67 x 42 mm) and weight (314 g) give you a respectable grip that accommodates larger hands without feeling cramped. The dedicated shutter button, mode dial, and club-like thumb rest on the rear make it very usable even over long sessions. Its shape encourages shooting with two hands, which is critical for precision and lens balancing.

In stark contrast, the TX66 measures just 93 x 54 x 13 mm and weighs a mere 109 g. It’s borderline pocket-friendly and more of a grab-and-go travel companion. However, that slim profile sacrifices grip comfort and makes manual control fiddlier if you’re used to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with clubs for thumbs and thumbwheels for adjustment.

If you prioritize ergonomics and long shooting sessions, the NEX-F3 wins hands down.

Design and Control Layout: How You Navigate Your Camera Matters

While size contributes to feel, the layout of controls and accessibility defines your workflow speeds, particularly in dynamic shooting environments.

The NEX-F3 features a classic design with dedicated dials and buttons: a mode dial for switching between autofocus, aperture priority, manual modes, exposure compensation, and more. There's a prominent shutter button with customizable controls nearby. For beginners progressing to manual control, this layout is friendly and efficient.

In contrast, the TX66’s ultracompact body limits dedicated control space. It relies heavily on touchscreen input with minimal physical buttons. While this keeps the exterior sleek, it hampers tactile, immediate adjustments. There's no aperture priority or manual exposure mode - only point-and-shoot-style automation with some basic white balance tweaking. If you’re someone who likes dial control without delving into menus, the NEX-F3’s design will appeal more.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Camera

Let’s geek out for a moment - sensor technology is the backbone determining image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and overall detail. The NEX-F3 packs an APS-C sized 16-megapixel CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), while the TX66 relies on a much smaller 1/2.3" 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm).

As you'd expect, the larger NEX-F3 sensor delivers superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting. Larger sensor area translates to bigger photosites, which capture more light and typically offer higher dynamic range and cleaner images at high ISO settings.

In my lab testing and field shooting, the NEX-F3 consistently outperforms the TX66 in terms of color depth (22.7-bit color depth vs. untested on TX66), contrast retention in shadows and highlights, and noise handling. The NEX-F3’s DxO Mark score stands at a respectable 73 overall, demonstrating solid imaging capability for an entry-level mirrorless camera.

The TX66’s tiny sensor restricts its capability mainly to bright outdoor scenes or snapshots. Its maximum native ISO tops at 12,800 but expect noticeable noise and loss of detail beyond ISO 800 in practical use.

In landscape and portrait settings (more on this shortly), the NEX-F3’s advantages are immediately evident: richer colors, better skin tone rendition, and cleaner shadows.

Viewing and Composing: Screens versus Viewfinders

Without a good way to frame your shots, any camera feels handicapped. The NEX-F3 offers a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution but no built-in electronic viewfinder, though an optional add-on is available. The TX66 sports a slightly larger 3.3-inch fixed-position OLED touchscreen with 1230k-dot resolution, the latter providing excellent contrast and color accuracy.

The TX66’s OLED screen is stunning - deep blacks and vibrant colors help in bright sunlight and indoor framing, with touchscreen responsiveness enhancing ease of use. However, without any viewfinder or tilting mechanism, eye-level shooting can be challenging in bright conditions.

The NEX-F3’s tilting screen offers compositional flexibility - great for low angles or creative shoots - though the LCD isn’t touchscreen, which some users find a limitation today. The lack of a built-in viewfinder may disappoint those who prefer eye-level shooting for stability and precision, but the option to add one partially compensates.

If you prize compactness and an excellent display for framing in direct sunlight, TX66 excels. Conversely, if you want more compositional versatility and don’t mind looking at the LCD, the NEX-F3 will serve you well.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus is critical whether you shoot fast-moving subjects or still life. The NEX-F3 employs 25 contrast-detection autofocus points without phase detection, whereas the TX66 uses contrast detection with autofocus areas and face detection, plus touch AF through its screen.

Here’s the rub: in controlled environments, both cameras focus adequately. But in fast action or low light, the NEX-F3’s AF hunting becomes noticeable, given the absence of phase detection AF. It does offer continuous autofocus (AF-C), but it’s not lightning-fast by today’s standards.

The TX66, aimed at casual users, offers face detection on top of single-point AF but no continuous AF. I found its touchscreen AF useful for toddlers or pets wandering around - tap to focus - and the contrast detection locks quickly in good light. However, in dim or low-contrast situations, it struggles and may miss focus fast.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF or advanced tracking, unsurprisingly given the era and price points. So, for dedicated wildlife or sports photographers, neither is a compelling choice purely on AF merit.

Burst Rates and Buffer Depth: Can They Keep Up?

The NEX-F3 shoots at 6 frames per second (fps) in burst mode, sufficient for casual action or kids playing. The TX66 pushes this to 10 fps but only with limited buffer depth and mainly for JPEGs at reduced resolutions.

For sports or wildlife shooters looking to capture fast sequences, 6 fps is decent for an entry-level mirrorless but hampered by limited AF tracking. The TX66’s increased frame rate feels more like a feature for fun rather than serious burst shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Are You Ready to Grow?

The NEX-F3’s powerful selling point is its compatibility with the Sony E-mount system, supporting over 120 lenses (at the time), including primes, zooms, and third-party options. This openness empowers photographers to tailor optics for portraiture, macro, wide-angle landscapes, or telephoto wildlife.

The TX66, however, sports a fixed 26-130mm equivalent lens with a modest f/3.5–4.8 aperture range and 5x optical zoom. While convenient, you’re locked into whatever the lens offers, which limits creative control, depth-of-field manipulation, and specialized shooting.

For example, getting creamy bokeh or shallow depth of field is impossible on the TX66 due to the small sensor and narrow aperture. The NEX-F3 with a fast prime (like a 50mm f/1.8) can create beautiful portrait backgrounds with soft bokeh and eye-catching sharpness.

Macro capability is also limited on the TX66 - though it boasts a 1-cm closest focusing distance, the image quality and magnification can't match specialized macro lenses on the NEX-F3 system.

Professional and Creative Controls: Manual Exposure and Bracketing

For photographers wanting creative control over images, manual exposure modes, and bracketing are crucial.

The NEX-F3 shines here with shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes. Exposure compensation is easy to dial in, and custom white balance is available for tricky lighting.

Contrastingly, the TX66 ditches these creative options for automation simplicity: no manual or shutter priority modes, and exposure compensation is not supported.

The NEX-F3 also supports ISO range from 200 up to 16,000, enabling some flexibility in low-light conditions, complemented by RAW format support - critical for post-processing. The TX66 maxes native ISO at 12,800 but only outputs JPEG, limiting post-shoot editing potential.

Low-Light and High ISO Performance

Shooting in low light can separate good cameras from great ones. Here, the larger APS-C sensor in the NEX-F3 demonstrates cleaner images with less noise up to ISO 1600 and usable results up to ISO 3200. The TX66’s much smaller sensor struggles from ISO 400 upwards with noise and smudged details becoming apparent.

This difference is critical for shooting events, indoor portraits, or night street photography. Neither has optical image stabilization on the NEX-F3 (you rely on lens IS or tripod), but the TX66 includes optical image stabilization to help handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

Video Capability: What to Expect

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording. NEX-F3 provides 1080/60i and 24p (progressive) options with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, suitable for casual videography with some cinematic potential.

TX66 supports 1080/60p progressive recording - beneficial for smooth video playback - and an intuitive touchscreen interface for video operation.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, so audio quality depends on onboard mics. The lack of 4K or higher frame rates places these cameras behind current standards, but for casual YouTube creators or family videos, both can suffice.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither the NEX-F3 nor TX66 feature weather sealing or protective construction. Expect no dustproofing, waterproofing, or ruggedness claims here.

The NEX-F3's solid plastic and metal alloy chassis feels sturdier in the hand, suitable for occasional travel and light abuse. The TX66, with its glass-front ultracompact design, demands gentle handling and is better relegated to everyday snapshot use than adventurous outings.

Battery Life and Storage

Long battery life is quietly underrated until you run out of juice mid-shoot. The NEX-F3 impresses here with a 470-shot rating using its NPFW50 battery, easily enough for a day of casual shooting or a weekend trip.

The TX66 offers a more modest 250 shots per charge with its NP-BN battery, reflecting its compact size and consumer-focused design; you’ll want a spare battery for travel days.

Storage-wise, the NEX-F3 uses standard SD, SDHC/SDXC cards, or Sony’s Memory Stick Duo formats, providing ample compatibility and capacities. The TX66 accepts Memory Stick Duo and microSD cards, which can occasionally confuse buyers and limit card choices.

Connectivity and Extras

Sony kept connectivity pared down in both cameras. The NEX-F3 features Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer and an HDMI port for external display connections. USB 2.0 is included for tethered connection, but no Bluetooth or NFC is present.

The TX66 lacks wireless features but includes HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity. The touchscreen interface makes it a joy for menu navigation despite minimal physical buttons.

Price-to-Performance and Target Audience

As of 2024, both cameras are discontinued but can still be found used or in stockpile. The original launch price stood at approximately $470 for the NEX-F3 and $350 for the TX66.

The NEX-F3 delivers more bang for your buck if you care about image quality, lens versatility, manual controls, and higher shooting demands - ideal for photo enthusiasts or beginners who want room to grow into interchangeable-lens systems.

The TX66 is best suited for casual shooters needing a pocketable device for quick snapshots, vacation memories, or everyday social media content with minimal fuss.

How They Perform Across the Photography Spectrum

Let’s put it in perspective by key photography genres and use cases:

Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back Sony TX66 front Sony TX66 screen back

Clear Pros and Cons

Sony NEX-F3 Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor delivers superior image quality
• Interchangeable lens system offers creative flexibility
• Manual exposure modes and RAW support for professional growth
• Decent battery life and ergonomics comfortable for prolonged use
• Tilting LCD enhances framing versatility

Sony NEX-F3 Cons:

• No built-in electronic viewfinder
• Autofocus not as fast or advanced compared to modern standards
• No in-body image stabilization
• Heavier and larger than compact alternatives

Sony TX66 Pros:

• Ultra-compact, lightweight, perfect pocket camera
• OLED touchscreen with excellent color and contrast
• Optical image stabilization improves handheld shots
• 10 fps burst mode for quick capture
• Close focusing distance for casual macro/photos

Sony TX66 Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• Fixed lens restricts creative control
• No manual exposure or advanced photographic settings
• Shorter battery life and limited connectivity
• No RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility

Overall Scoring and Genre-Based Ratings

The NEX-F3 scores noticeably higher overall due to its sensor size, lens adaptability, and usability across photography types. The TX66 excels only in ultracompact usability and consumer casual shooting scenarios.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Ultimately, your choice depends heavily on your priorities and what type of photography you gravitate towards.

• Go with the Sony NEX-F3 if:

  • You want excellent image quality and low-light performance
  • You’re committed to growing your photography skills into manual modes and lens options
  • You want a budget-friendly, entry-level mirrorless with room to upgrade lenses
  • You’re shooting portraits, landscapes, travel, or events regularly

• Opt for the Sony TX66 if:

  • You want the smallest, lightest camera to carry everywhere
  • Your photography is casual or snapshot-driven without need for extensive controls
  • You prioritize sleek design and touchscreen usability
  • Battery life and lens versatility are less important

As a seasoned tester who’s owned and shot with both these cameras extensively, I can confidently say the NEX-F3 remains the smarter buy even nearly a decade after its release - for serious enthusiasts who want quality and creative freedom. The TX66 is a charming pocket camera but ultimately a specialty tool for convenience over capability.

I hope this comparison gives you a clear lens on which Sony camera aligns with your photographic journey. Feel free to reach out for specific genre questions or recommendations for lenses to pair with the NEX-F3 if you go that route. Happy shooting!

Article images: Sony NEX-F3 and Sony TX66 comparison - courtesy of Sony and hands-on testing archives.