Leaked Sony A3000 photo shows DSLR-like NEX in its full glory

Sony A3000, a DSLR-shaped NEX camera, has been spotted on the web, along with a black 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens, ahead of its official introduction.

The rumor mill has learned that Sony would announce an E-mount camera with a DSLR-inspired design several weeks ago. Ever since then, we have tried to put all the pieces together and eventually found out that the shooter will be referred to as “ILC-3000”.

A new Sony A3000 rumor is circling around the interweb, as a photo of the upcoming DSLR-shaped NEX camera has just been leaked.

Sony A3000 photo appears on the web alongside 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

Recently, a Sony A3000 photo has been leaked online, revealing the camera’s official retail name. This will be a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and it proves that the company will remain faithful to the “Alpha” branding.

The leaked shot shows the mirrorless device sporting a black 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS lens. The silver version of this optic is already available for $298 at Amazon. It offers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-82.5mm.

Canon Rebel SL1 would better watch out as the Sony A3000 is coming after it

This camera has a very precise purpose, according to inside sources. It has been designed to be compact, in order to compete against Canon Rebel shooters. The main target could be the Rebel SL1, the smallest APS-C DSLR in the world.

The EOS Rebel SL1 (body-only) can be bought for $649 at Amazon, so potential A3000 buyers should expect the camera to be sold for a lower price. It appears that the body-only unit will cost around $350, though this is subject to change, as the digital camera is not even official yet.

Previously, it has been said that the two cameras will have similar prices because Sony is counting on a superior specs sheet. However, it seems like this is no longer the case, as the Canon SL1 will be twice more expensive than its Alpha counterpart.

Sony to put a new 20.1MP APS-C sensor into the A3000 ILC

Although the leaked Sony A3000 photos does not say much about its specifications, a small list of features is circling around the web.

The DSLR-styled NEX shooter will sport a brand new 20.1-megapixel APS-C image sensor, 230K-pixel resolution LCD screen, integrated flash and focus assist light, and a built-in electronic viewfinder with a 1.44-million-dot resolution.

The good news is that the official announcement is expected to take place soon and the release date is scheduled for later in 2013.