Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony A68: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When stepping up your photography game and contemplating your next camera purchase in the entry-level segment, it's easy to get overwhelmed by specs sheets and marketing jargon. Today, we pit two distinct Sony entry-level cameras head-to-head: the mirrorless Sony NEX-F3 and the DSLR-style Sony A68. Both aim at photographers seeking affordability without surrendering core image quality and features. Over years of testing hundreds of cameras - analyzing sensor performance, autofocus nuances, ergonomics, and more - I’m here to break down what these two deliver in real-world shooting scenarios, and which might suit your photographic ambitions best.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Build Quality

Sony’s NEX-F3, introduced in 2012, represents the entry point into Sony’s mirrorless E-mount ecosystem. Its compact, rangefinder-style body measures a mere 117 x 67 x 42 mm and weighs just 314 grams. Contrast that with the bulkier A68 DSLR-style body measuring 143 x 104 x 81 mm and weighing nearly twice as much at 610 grams. The A68’s heft reflects its more traditional SLR design, offering a deep grip, pronounced dials, and a sturdier feel.

In the hand, the NEX-F3 feels nimble and quick to maneuver - ideal for travel and street photography where discretion matters. However, the slim profile trades off some handling comfort during longer shoots, especially with heavier lenses. The A68, by virtue of its size and pronounced grip, feels more confident for extended handheld sessions.

Both cameras employ tilting LCD screens, but the A68’s is smaller at 2.7 inches with 461k dots versus the NEX-F3’s 3-inch 920k-dot TFT Xtra Fine LCD. The higher resolution screen on the NEX-F3 provides crisper live-view framing and menu readability. Neither camera offers touchscreen controls, which was expected for cameras in their respective launch eras.

Control layouts showcase the design philosophies: the NEX-F3 keeps things simple and approachable with minimal buttons and a mode dial, whereas the A68 sports more dedicated dials for exposure compensation, drive modes, and a small top LCD panel relaying shooting info - a nod towards more serious shooters who prefer tactile controls.

Build quality on both cameras is predominantly plastic and not weather-sealed, so neither is fit for harsh environments or heavy rain. For cautious outdoor use, the A68’s beefier body might tolerate rougher treatment - but you’d want a protective case either way.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both the NEX-F3 and A68 house APS-C sized CMOS sensors with a 1.5x crop factor, making them well-matched contenders in sensor size. However, notable differences arise here:

The higher resolution sensor on the A68 provides more detail, which benefits landscape and studio photographers who need large print sizes or crop flexibility. More impressive though is the improved dynamic range and color depth on the A68, resulting in richer tones and better highlight retention - key advantages for shooting challenging lighting conditions. The ability to pull shadows without crushing midtones is particularly beneficial for landscape and travel photography.

However, the NEX-F3's lower resolution sensor maintains respectable image quality with good sharpness and color. Its slightly better low-light performance rating suggests it may introduce less noise at higher ISOs compared to the A68, though in practical shooting the difference is subtle. This could be advantageous for casual event and street photographers working in variable light.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

One of the most telling differences between these two cameras lies in autofocus (AF) systems - especially critical for wildlife, sports, and candid photography.

The NEX-F3 features a 25-point contrast-detection AF system without phase detection and lacks face or eye detection. It offers single, continuous, and selective area focusing but no AF tracking. While contrast-detection is accurate, it is inherently slower than phase-detection, resulting in occasional focus hunting in low contrast scenes or when tracking moving subjects.

On the other hand, the A68 sports a sophisticated 79-point hybrid AF module with 15 cross-type sensors, incorporating both contrast and phase-detection AF points. It supports AF tracking and face detection, which substantially elevates its performance for fast action or unpredictable subjects. Continuous AF tracking is smooth and reliable even in bursts - a boon for wildlife and sports shooters.

In practice, during my tests photographing birds in flight and fast-moving runners, the A68 consistently nailed focus acquisitions and tracked subjects effectively. The NEX-F3 required more patience and often missed quick shifts, though its system proved adequate for static subjects like portraits and landscapes.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Operation

The NEX-F3 offers a respectable 6 frames per second (fps) burst rate, suitable for casual action sequences. Meanwhile, the A68 pushes this to 8 fps, aided by a more performant Bionz X processor and phase-detection AF capabilities.

Neither camera features an electronic or silent shutter mode; maximum shutter speeds peak at 1/4000s. Shutter sound levels are moderate on the NEX-F3 but clearly audible on the A68 - an expected tradeoff between mirrorless and DSLR mechanics.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras record full HD (1080p) video, supporting 60 fps (interlaced for A68) and up to 24 fps for cinematic frame rates. The NEX-F3 outputs video in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, and the A68 adds the more advanced XAVC S codec option, allowing higher bitrate video with potentially crisper results.

Neither supports 4K recording or in-body 5-axis stabilization, but the A68 includes sensor-based image stabilization beneficial during handheld video, while the NEX-F3 lacks any built-in stabilization.

Notably, the A68 houses a microphone input, enabling external mics for improved audio capture - a feature highly valued by videographers and YouTubers. No headphone output is available on either camera to monitor recordings.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

The NEX-F3 features a larger, higher-resolution 3-inch tilting LCD, excellent for composing at low angles or working in bright daylight. However, it lacks a built-in viewfinder, relying on the LCD exclusively or an optional external EVF unit. This can be a limitation in bright sunlight or for photographers accustomed to eye-level framing.

Conversely, the A68 boasts an electronic viewfinder with 1.44 million dots resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.57x magnification - a rare feature in entry-level DSLRs. This EVF compensates nicely for its smaller 2.7-inch LCD and provides a more traditional shooting experience. The top LCD panel also offers quick glance info, reassuring for users migrating from established DSLR platforms.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras utilize Sony’s APS-C mount lenses, with the NEX-F3 adopting the E-mount designed for mirrorless bodies, and the A68 using the Sony/Minolta Alpha A-mount heritage coupled with a translucent mirror design.

• NEX-F3: Compatible with 121 native E-mount lenses (including third-party options) ranging from compact primes to fast telephotos. Mirrorless lens designs are generally smaller and lighter.

• A68: Utilizes the A-mount system, offering access to 143 lenses, including classic Minolta glass with legacy manual focus, as well as modern DSLR optics. The larger bayonet mount accommodates lenses with longer autofocus elements.

While both mounts cover vast focal lengths, the mirrorless E-mount’s advantages lie in size and future-forward designs, whereas the A-mount offers better backward compatibility with older lenses. Adapters exist for cross-mount usage but may impact AUTOFOCUS performance.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance favors the A68, rated at approximately 510 shots per charge, outpacing the NEX-F3’s 470 shots. While not game-changing, the DSLR's larger body can accommodate higher-capacity batteries, important on longer trips without recharge access.

Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, along with Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats. Each utilizes a single card slot, so no dual card redundancy here.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC for remote control or instant sharing, which today’s photographers might miss. Both devices accept Eye-Fi wireless SD cards for rudimentary Wi-Fi transfer, though this solution is dated and limited. USB 2.0 ports serve tethering and data transfer, flipped via mini or micro USB connectors.

The A68 includes a hot shoe supporting external flashes with Sony’s creative wireless flash system, whereas the NEX-F3 offers external flash support but no dedicated wireless control capabilities. Both feature built-in pop-up flashes.

Performance and Use Case Breakdown

To illustrate their practical strengths, here’s how these cameras stack up across photographic genres:

Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Portrait Photography

The A68’s larger megapixel count combined with face detection autofocus facilitates crisp, detailed portraits with effective eye detection and pleasant skin tone reproduction. The NEX-F3 relies on manual AF point selection and contrast detection, less suited for rapid focus on eyes.

Both deliver natural bokeh given suitable lenses, but the A68’s larger lens selection aids creative control.

Landscape Photography

High resolution and dynamic range tilt scale in the A68's favor, affording fine detail capture and rich tonal gradation in scenes with mixed light. Its better weather sealing is non-existent, but the robust DSLR body stands up better to environmental rigors.

NEX-F3 delivers solid landscapes but tighter cropping and highlight recovery potential is compressed.

Wildlife and Sports

Autofocus and burst capabilities define this category. The A68 is hands-down superior, with 8 fps shooting, advanced AF tracking, and face detection improving candid high-speed capture success.

The NEX-F3 can manage static wildlife shots but tends to miss fast action sequences.

Street Photography

Here, the NEX-F3 shines due to its compactness and discretion. Quiet shutter operation and lightweight design make for unobtrusive shooting, favorable for candid moments.

The A68 is bulkier and less stealthy but offers the confidence of a traditional DSLR layout.

Macro Photography

Neither camera features specialized macro modes or focus stacking, but both benefit from Sony’s lens options. The A68’s in-body stabilization enhances handheld close-ups, providing incremental steadiness.

Night and Astro Photography

For low-light shooters, the A68’s higher ISO ceiling and impressive dynamic range take precedence; however, noise control in the NEX-F3 is slightly better at moderate ISOs.

Neither camera offers long-exposure noise reduction or dedicated astro modes.

Video Recording

A mildly irrelevant comparison today, but the A68’s XAVC S codec and microphone input make it preferable for basic enthusiast video work. Both have respectable 1080p capabilities but no 4K support.

Travel Photography

Compact size and weight propel the NEX-F3 as the better traveler’s companion. Battery life is slightly better on the A68 but offset by bulk and lens sizes. The mirrorless form factor facilitates packing versatility.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professional photographers. However, the A68’s RAW support, superior autofocus, and file resolutions lend better integration into basic workflows, whereas the NEX-F3 is better for hobbyists upgrading from point-and-shoots.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Sony NEX-F3 and Sony A68 boils down to your priorities:

• If size, portability, and ease of use are paramount, especially if street, travel, or casual photography is your focus, the NEX-F3 remains a compelling option. Its sharp LCD, tilting screen, and lean body make it handy for quick, spontaneous shots. The entry-level price and lens availability also help newcomers build up gradually.

• If you crave better autofocus, higher resolution, and stronger burst rates - essential for wildlife, sports, or studio portraits - the A68’s DSLR-style ergonomics and hardware shine. The electronic viewfinder and sensor stabilization tip the scales for disciplined shooters willing to trade pocketability for performance.

Financially, the older NEX-F3 generally comes at a more attractive price point (~$470 brand new or used), while the A68 commands a premium (~$580+), reflecting its advanced feature set.

Performance by Photography Genre

Breaking down the scores reflects each camera’s tailored strengths aligned with user demands.

Final Thoughts

I’ve walked dozens of landscapes, chased athletes and birds at the park, and conducted hours of studio portraits with these cameras. The Sony NEX-F3 is a lean, nimble companion whose limitations are clear but forgivable given its weight and price. Its sensor captures beautiful, usable images, and the compact design encourages experimentation.

The Sony A68, by contrast, is a workhorse for the enthusiast who expects rapid AF performance, sharp detail, and more professional control without splurging for the latest models. It’s not perfect - no weather sealing, a somewhat dated LCD, and a chunkier body - but it delivers on core photographic fundamentals.

Ultimately, neither camera will wow the modern user with cutting-edge features, but each occupies a meaningful niche. Careful assessment of your shooting style, budget, and ergonomic preferences will guide you to the right choice.

If you want to dive deeper into any specific feature or need recommendations around lenses and accessories - feel free to reach out. Choosing the right camera sparks a rewarding photographic journey, and I’m here to help illuminate your path.

Happy shooting!