UPDATE: After, Sony announced the NEX-6, we decided to change the focus of the next book. Since the NEX-5R and NEX-6 are so much more alike and share the new sensor, built-in Wifi, and PlayMemories Camera apps, the F3 is being dropped and the new book will concentrate solely on the 5R and 6. Our sincere apologies to everyone who expressed an interest in the book because of the NEX-F3.

Well, I did it again … ANOTHER new camera! But, this time, I actually have a good reason for it and it's not just one of those "impulse purchases" that I've been known to make. (More on the "good reason", later.)

This time it's the recently released Sony NEX-F3, a nice step up from the NEX-3 and C3, but still with many of the same great features we've come to love and expect from Sony. Of course, there's a fair share of new and updated features, too, and those have been extensively written about in numerous reviews across the internet.

One of those really nice new features is the new LCD screen with the ability to rotate upward by 180 degrees, allowing you to see it from directly in front of the camera. It takes it a step further by automatically going into a portrait mode and setting a 3 second timer for you. “Selfies” (self-portraits) just got a whole lot easier! While it can still tilt downwards, Sony has reduced this to only 13 degrees, and many reviewers have complained about how that restricts its usefulness in overhead shooting. But, I beg to differ.

Gary Friedman had the brilliant idea to just put the screen out at about 45 degrees, turn the camera upside down, hold it over your head and shoot away! The camera actually knows which way is up and will even orient the photo correctly for you on the screen during shooting and during playback. Smart … the camera and Gary! :-)

Now, about that "good reason" to buy this camera. But, first, a little background.

Cameras these days are so packed with electronics and the cool features that those provide for us, but that means they are also considerably more complex than our film cameras of the past. These complexities often need some explanation, however, camera manufacturer's manuals are notoriously light … in both weight and content. To address these deficiencies, a Pro photographer by the name of Gary Friedman started writing complete camera manuals with detailed instructions and thorough explanations to clear up those questions we all have about our new cameras. He writes mostly about the newer Sony digital cameras and his books can be found at: http://www.friedmanarchives.com. He has an engaging writing style and includes lots of example photos and illustrations, so go take a look.

This year alone, Sony has shipped at least six new DSLR/Interchangeable Lens cameras with several more due to be released, soon. Needless to say, Gary is getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work to be done. So, Gary has hired me to collaborate with him on his upcoming, soon to be released, book about Sony's new NEX-F3 and NEX-5R.

I'm very excited to be included in a project like this, so thank you, Gary, for the opportunity.

For all the specs on the F3 (and just about any other camera, too), I highly recommend DPreview.com. They do thorough testing and write complete reviews about most new cameras.