Sony has announced two new mirrorless cameras and two new lenses. The α3000 has a 20.1 megapixel Exmor APS-C sensor with a native ISO range of 100-16000 and the NEX-5T is an update on the NEX-5R with the addition of Near Field Communication (NFC) for easy wi-fi connectivity. New lenses include the Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS and the E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS telephoto zooms.

Press release

Sony introduces α3000 camera with advanced shooting functions, superb image quality and interchangeable lenses.

• Large APS-C Exmor™ sensor with 20.1 effective megapixels and integrated SteadyShot technology for pro-quality pictures and Full HD AVCHD video.
• Frame scenes through the crisp, clear Tru-Finder.
• Pick from 18 interchangeable E-mount lenses for limitless creative possibilities.
• Easy to hold with comfortable and secure new grip.

Now you can have it all. The α3000 from Sony brings you the picture quality, manual controls and artistic possibilities of a DSLR in an easy to use camera with interchangeable lenses.

Comfortable to hold and offering plenty of creative controls, the α3000 looks and feels just right for anyone who’s ready to shoot better pictures. There’s a clear electronic viewfinder to help frame shots with confidence, plus a newly-designed grip that adds to the feeling of comfort, security and balance in your hand.

It’s a revelation in picture quality for anyone who’s used to fixed-lens compact cameras. Inside the α3000 is a large 20.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Teamed with the growing choice of E-mount interchangeable lenses, it’s the key to flawlessly detailed still images, from personality-packed portraits and street scenes to sumptuous landscapes. Full HD videos look just as impressive, with a choice of 50i or 25p shooting modes for crisp action or a smooth cinematic look as your subject demands.

The big sensor also boosts sensitivity, grabbing more light and cutting image noise. And that means pristine pictures and movies at dusk or in gloomy interiors, when the tiny sensor in your compact camera or smartphone so often disappoints.

It’s a pleasure framing scenes through the clear, bright electronic Tru-Finder with a generous 100% field coverage – just like you’d expect from a high-end DSLR. There’s plenty of extra information displayed in the electronic viewfinder, including grid lines to help keep those horizons nice and level. Don’t leave anything to guesswork: instant preview of tweaks to exposure settings lets you compose with even greater confidence.

As your confidence grows, add accessories via the Multi Interface Shoe™ to expand your shooting options even further. Easily create pro-style lighting effects with the powerful new HVL-F43M flash with Sony’s unique Quick Shift Bounce system for no nasty shadows. Capture a more polished soundtrack and clearer dialogue with the ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone. Or brighten up parties and indoor scenes with the battery-powered HVL-LEIR1 Video IR light.

Photographers with more arty ambitions needn’t feel left out of the fun. Picture Effect offers a palette of 15 artistic treatments, like Retro Photo, Miniature and Partial Colour. Auto Object Framing neatly trims portraits, close-ups and even moving subjects for tighter, more professional results.

Unlike ordinary point-and-shoot cameras, the α3000 unleashes your full creativity with a choice of 18 interchangeable E-mount lenses by Sony and Carl Zeiss, including two conversion lenses well as the SEL50F18 portrait lens with a new black. Pick from telephotos, wide angles and macros to versatile zooms for travel and everyday shooting.

The new Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS (SEL1670Z) is a versatile mid-range zoom with Optical SteadyShot built-in for crisper handheld shots. It’s joined by Sony’s first ever G Lens™ for E-mount cameras. The new E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS (SELP18105G) is a premium all-rounder with Optical SteadyShot and smooth, quiet zoom operation that’s great for shooting Full HD movies as well as still photos.

The new α3000 interchangeable lens camera from Sony is available to pre-order from sony dealers worldwide and will be generally available in Europe from September 2013.