Canon EOS 700D vs Sony Alpha Nex C3: The Battle of the Best Cameras for Photographers!

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the entry-level DSLR and mirrorless camera categories are the Canon EOS 700D and the Sony Alpha NEX C3. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of both cameras to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 boast distinct design philosophies. The 700D, a traditional DSLR, features a familiar body with a large viewfinder and a rotating LCD screen. Its grip provides a secure hold, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions. The NEX C3, on the other hand, adopts a compact and sleek mirrorless design. Its smaller size and weight make it incredibly portable, perfect for travel photography.
In terms of build quality, both cameras are well-constructed. The 700D’s polycarbonate body offers durability, while the NEX C3’s magnesium alloy frame provides a robust feel. However, the NEX C3’s compact design makes it more susceptible to scratches and dents.

Image Quality and Sensor

The Canon EOS 700D houses an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Sony Alpha NEX C3 utilizes a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Both cameras deliver excellent image quality, with vibrant colors and good dynamic range. However, the 700D’s slightly higher resolution provides more detail, particularly when printing large images.
The 700D’s sensor also boasts a native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600. The NEX C3 offers a native ISO range of 200-16000, expandable to 25600. Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions, but the 700D generally produces cleaner images at high ISOs.

Autofocus Performance

Autofocus is a crucial aspect of any camera, and both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 excel in this area. The 700D employs a 9-point cross-type autofocus system, providing quick and accurate focusing. The NEX C3, on the other hand, features a 25-point contrast-detection autofocus system, which is also fast and reliable.
However, the 700D’s phase-detection autofocus system offers a slight advantage in low-light and fast-action photography. It can lock onto subjects more readily, especially when shooting moving objects.

Video Recording Capabilities

Both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 are capable of recording high-quality videos. The 700D can shoot 1080p Full HD videos at 30fps, while the NEX C3 can record 1080p Full HD videos at 24, 25, or 30fps. Both cameras offer manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing for creative video shooting.
However, the NEX C3 has a slight edge in video features. It offers a built-in stereo microphone and a dedicated movie recording button, making it more convenient for video recording.

Connectivity and Features

The Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 both offer standard connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and a microphone jack. The 700D also features a built-in flash, while the NEX C3 relies on an external flash.
In terms of features, the 700D offers a more traditional DSLR experience with its optical viewfinder and dedicated controls. The NEX C3, on the other hand, provides a more modern approach with its electronic viewfinder and touchscreen interface.

Battery Life

Battery life is an essential consideration for photographers, and the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 differ significantly in this regard. The 700D’s battery can last for approximately 500 shots, while the NEX C3’s battery provides around 330 shots. This difference can be attributed to the 700D’s optical viewfinder, which consumes less power than the NEX C3’s electronic viewfinder.

Price and Availability

The Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 are both entry-level cameras, making them affordable options for aspiring photographers. The 700D is generally more expensive than the NEX C3, but it offers more features and better performance.

Choosing the Right Camera

The decision between the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, a compact design, and video recording capabilities, the Sony Alpha NEX C3 might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a traditional DSLR experience with a larger viewfinder, a more robust build quality, and better low-light performance, the Canon EOS 700D is a solid option.

The Verdict: A Draw

Both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 are excellent cameras that excel in different areas. The 700D offers superior image quality and autofocus performance, while the NEX C3 boasts a more compact design, better video features, and a more affordable price. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony Alpha NEX C3 are excellent choices for beginners. The 700D offers a more traditional DSLR experience, which some beginners may find easier to navigate. The NEX C3, on the other hand, provides a more compact and user-friendly interface.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS 700D generally performs better in low-light conditions due to its phase-detection autofocus system and its ability to handle higher ISOs with less noise.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Sony Alpha NEX C3 has a slight edge in video recording capabilities with its built-in stereo microphone and dedicated movie recording button.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Sony Alpha NEX C3’s compact and lightweight design makes it a more portable option for travel photography.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Sony Alpha NEX C3 is generally more affordable than the Canon EOS 700D.