Details about Sony’s upcoming NEX-3 APS-C rangefinder camera were leaked today by Digital Photography School. The new camera uses a Sony “E Series” lens mount and captures 14.2 megapixel images at 7 frames per second. APS-C-sized CMOS sensor. No details on video, but the specs do note that the camera will save videos in MP4.

It’s great to see the revival of large imaging areas in compact cameras; previous to the recent proliferation of APS-C-sized sensors in small cameras, it was virtually impossible to capture a high-quality image using a compact digital camera.

UPDATE: DPReview has published a preview.

Image Sensor: 14.2 million effective pixels. Metering: Multi pattern, centre-weighted and spot. Sensor Size: APS-C-sized CMOS (23.4×15.6mm). Lens: Sony E Series mount. Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 second. Flash sync**: 1/160 sec. Continuous Shooting: seven fps. Memory: Memory Stick PRO Duo, PRO-HG Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC cards. Image Sizes (pixels): 4592×3056, 4592×2576, 3344×2224, 3344×1872, 2288×1520, 2288×1280. Movies: 1280×720, 848×480, 640×480 at 30 fps. Colour Space: sRGB, Adobe RGB. LCD Screen: 7.5cm LCD (921,600 pixels). File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, MPEG4. ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 200 to 12,800. Interface: USB 2.0, HDMNI, AV. Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input. Dimensions: 117.2×62.6×33.4mm WHDmm. Weight: 297 g (inc battery and card). Price: Around AUD1000 for body and kit lens.