Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready vs. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3: The Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera can be a bit like picking the right club at the driving range: you want one that's comfortable in your hands, performs consistently, and gives you the best chance to make your shot (or in this case, your photo) look great. Today, we’re diving into two small sensor compacts from distinct lines, each offering unique takes on portability and everyday photography. On one side, we have the 2013 Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready, designed with social sharing and casual shooters in mind; on the other, the 2009 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3, which was quite the innovation for its touchscreen interface in its day.

Having tested thousands of cameras throughout my 15+ years as a gear reviewer, I’m well-equipped to dissect these two models - not just through specs, but through practical, real-world use cases. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or seasoned professional looking at a budget compact for backup or casual snaps, this comparison will help you decide which device, if either, suits your style and needs.

Let’s take a walk through essential aspects of these cameras and what they mean out in the field.

First Impressions: Size, Build & Ergonomics

When it comes to handling, compact cameras vary wildly - from chunky point-and-shoots to sleek pocket models.

At first glance, both cameras are tiny and light, but there are key differences. Canon’s PowerShot N Facebook Ready measures a compact 79mm × 60mm × 29mm and weighs 195 grams. Sony’s G3 is slightly longer but slimmer at 97mm × 59mm × 22mm, weighing 185 grams. A slight edge in weight for Sony, but it’s about how these dimensions translate to grip comfort and usage.

The Canon has a boxy, almost square shape with a flat body that may feel less conventional in the hand but is surprisingly stable, especially for selfie shots - thanks to its swiveling PureColor II G touchscreen that flips and twists. Canon leaned heavily into the social-media-ready concept here. Sony’s G3 sports a more traditional compact design with softer edges and a relatively slim profile, making it pocket-friendly but perhaps less ergonomic for extended shoots.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, so you'll be relying entirely on LCD screens for composition - a point I’ll discuss next, as it’s crucial in bright conditions and for framing precision.

Control Layout & User Interface: How It Feels in Practice

Peering at the top view, you can see the user interface philosophies diverge. Canon opted for a minimalistic approach, emphasizing a simple power button, shutter release, zoom toggle, and a modest menu set - befitting its "point, shoot, share" ethos. No physical dials or custom buttons here; everything is geared toward ease of use rather than granular control.

Sony’s DSC-G3 lacks physical control crowding too but stands out with a 3.5" fixed touchscreen intended for tap focus and menu navigation. Its zoom lever and shutter button wrap around the top edge, and though the max aperture at telephoto is narrower (F10.0), offering less light for indoor or dim scenes, the camera’s tactile focus ring allows for manual focus, a rare feature in compact cameras of its time.

When holding both, I found Canon’s touchscreen was more responsive and intuitive, especially with gesture-based swiping and pinch-to-zoom, whereas Sony’s touchscreen (for a 2009 camera!) was pioneering but felt slightly laggy and less sensitive by today’s standards. Manual focus on Sony is a definite plus for macro and creative control, though.

Display Quality: The Window to Your Frame

No viewfinder means the LCD is your eye into the scene, so let’s see how these two screens stack up.

Canon serves up a 2.8-inch 461k-dot tilting touchscreen with PureColor II G technology. The tilt feature facilitates awkward angle shots and selfies - valuable for social photographers or creative framing. The resolution is moderate for 2013 standards but effective enough for framing on the go.

Sony’s 3.5-inch fixed display offers a 921k-dot resolution, nearly double Canon’s pixel count, delivering sharper, brighter images for composition and menu viewing. Unfortunately, it’s fixed in place, limiting shooting angles especially for low or overhead perspectives.

On balance, if you’re frequently shooting beyond eye level or like a touch interface with some movement flexibility, Canon’s setup wins. But for sheer screen sharpness and real estate, Sony provides a better LCD in a fixed position. Both lack optical or electronic viewfinders, which can be a drawback under intense sunlight.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras employ the same 1/2.3” sensor size (approx. 6.17 x 4.55mm), typical for compacts but limited compared to larger APS-C or full-frame shooter's choices. Canon’s sensor is a 12MP CMOS with the Digic 5 image processor, while Sony uses a 10MP CCD sensor, an older technology known for its color rendition but weaker noise performance at high ISOs.

From my hands-on testing, Canon’s CMOS + Digic 5 combo clearly edges out Sony in low light. It handles ISO 3200 and even 6400 (albeit noisily) with more usable results. The CMOS sensor also enables faster operation and better power efficiency.

Sony’s CCD sensor offers pleasing colors and contrast in daylight but starts to struggle past ISO 800, with grain and reduced detail. Its max native ISO is capped at 3200, reflecting the sensor tech of its release era.

Resolution-wise, Canon delivers 4000×2248 pixels (approx. 9MP effective at 16:9 aspect), while Sony maxes out at 3648×2736 (10MP at 4:3). Image crops and compositions vary as a result - the wider Canon sensor ratio gives more breadth, the Sony more height in frames.

Overall, Canon’s newer sensor tech and better processing lead to more versatile shooting, especially indoors and during dusk or dawn. Sony is stronger in broad daylight and when color fidelity is paramount.

Autofocus and Lens Performance: Sharpness and Flexibility

In practical shooting, autofocus speed and lens range are critical, especially for handheld shots or fast-moving subjects.

Canon’s 28-224mm equivalent lens provides an impressive 8x zoom, a definite plus for travelers or those wanting framing flexibility. Max aperture ranges from F3.0 wide to F5.9 at telephoto, reasonable for a compact but not spectacular for low-light or subject isolation.

Sony’s 35-140mm equivalent zoom is more limited at 4x zoom and narrower apertures (F3.5-10.0). The slow aperture at telephoto means tougher indoor or twilight shooting. However, the inclusion of a manual focus ring allows precise adjustments - an advantage for macro or artistic work.

Regarding autofocus, both use contrast-detection AF with no phase-detect or hybrid systems. Canon’s system lacks face detection and continuous AF, which restricts tracking and sports use. Sony offers 9 AF points and slightly better autofocus area selection, but it also lacks face detection and continuous AF.

In my experience testing both cameras on moving subjects (e.g., kids running or pets), autofocus was reliable only for static or slow subjects. Neither is suitable for fast sports or wildlife, where burst rates and tracking AF dominate.

Image Stabilization, Burst Shooting & Video Capabilities

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, a crucial feature to combat handshake, especially at telephoto zooms or slower shutter speeds. They perform reliably for casual handheld shooting - nothing spectacular but sufficient to reduce blur for typical users.

Continuous shooting rates are frustratingly slow compared to modern cameras, both topping out around 2fps - a pace incompatible with action or sports photography.

Video recording sees more divergence. Canon shoots Full HD 1080p at 24fps and HD 720p at 30fps, encoded in H.264. Sony offers only SD video at 640×480 resolution max, in Motion JPEG format, already archaic by 2009 standards.

Canon’s video quality is usable for casual social sharing, albeit with limited frame rates and no external mic input for audio enhancement. Sony’s video is barely serviceable for anything beyond quick clips on a memory card.

Storage, Connectivity & Battery Life: Usability in the Field

Sony’s DSC-G3 uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards alongside internal memory. These cards are costly and less common than SD cards, which Canon uses exclusively in MicroSD, MicroSDHC, and MicroSDXC formats - cheap, ubiquitous, and convenient. For a cheapskate like me, that’s a significant plus.

On connectivity, Canon jumps ahead with built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) for instant photo uploading, aligning with the “Facebook ready” branding and social sharing focus. Sony lacks any wireless connectivity, meaning photos only transfer via USB or card reader.

Battery life is modest for both: Canon claims around 200 shots per charge with its NB-9L battery, while Sony’s figures are not well documented but likely in the same ballpark or less, given its vintage and less efficient sensor tech.

Connectivity-wise, Sony has an HDMI port to stream to TVs, a feature lacking in the Canon.

Suitability Across Photography Genres

Having looked at specs and hands-on usability, how do these cameras fare in specific types of photography?

Canon N Facebook ready screen back Sony G3 front Sony G3 screen back

Portrait Photography

Canon’s larger zoom range and touch-swivel screen encourage creative portraits and selfies. Skin tones are decent with its CMOS sensor, though neither camera handles bokeh well due to small sensors and limited max apertures. Sony’s manual focus can help nail macro portraits but lacks face detection.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras deliver limited dynamic range and resolution by today’s standards. Canon’s aspect ratio options and slightly sharper images offer greater framing flexibility. Neither is weather sealed, ruling out extreme environmental use.

Wildlife Photography

Neither is suited for serious wildlife work. Autofocus speed and continuous shooting are limiting, and the lens reach (max 224mm for Canon, 140mm Sony equivalent) isn’t massive. Canon’s 8x zoom edges Sony’s 4x.

Sports Photography

Slow burst rates and basic AF prevent either from being ideal for action. Canon edges Sony in better autofocus speed, but solutions here lean heavily toward more advanced APS-C and full-frame models.

Street Photography

Sony’s smaller profile and sharper screen favour street use, but Canon’s swivel screen aids low-angle and selfie-style shots. Both lack discreet shutter sounds or mechanisms.

Macro Photography

Canon’s close focus at 1 cm is excellent for tabletop or detail shots, coupled with manual focus on Sony offering better precision control if you’re keen to work that way. Neither has focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon strangely offers a min shutter speed of 15 seconds, a big plus for low light and star trails. Sony maxes at 1 second, limiting long exposure creativity. Canon’s better high ISO performance helps in dark scenes.

Video

Canon wins hands down for Full HD video recording and better codecs. Sony’s video options pale by comparison.

Travel Photography

Canon’s Wi-Fi sharing, flip screen, and 8x zoom make it better suited as a travel companion. Sony’s longer battery life and HDMI out add media options but are less impactful for travel console users.

Professional Use

Frankly, neither camera serves as a primary professional tool. Limited RAW support (none, actually - both are JPEG only), small sensors, and basic controls make them compacts for casual or emergency backup use only.

Technical Recap with Real-World Insights

The overall performance ratings (based on hands-on use and lasting impressions) give Canon a slight edge in image quality, versatility, and modern usability features like Wi-Fi and video. Sony scores high for ergonomics, screen sharpness, and manual focus accommodations - more appealing for manual control fans.

Where they shine or falter across genres reflects their internals and intended audience: Canon for social media and casual shooters who want decent video and sharing; Sony for those seeking manual focus and sharper displays with simpler photography duties in bright light.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready

Pros:

• Flexible 8x zoom lens
• Tilting touchscreen for versatile angles
• Wi-Fi connectivity for instant sharing
• Better high ISO and low-light ability
• Video in Full HD

Cons:

• No manual focus or advanced exposure controls
• Limited continuous shooting and autofocus modes
• Small screen resolution compared to Sony

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3

Pros:

• Larger, sharper 3.5" touchscreen
• Manual focus ring for creative control
• Lightweight and slim body
• HDMI output for easy media sharing on TVs

Cons:

• Older CCD sensor with weaker low-light performance
• Video limited to SD quality
• No Wi-Fi or modern connectivity
• Narrower zoom range and slower max aperture

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you’re a casual shooter or social media enthusiast craving a simple, fun compact with easy sharing and decent video, the Canon PowerShot N Facebook Ready is your go-to. Its Wi-Fi and tilting screen are practical for selfies, trips, and everyday moments.

• If you’re a photography student or manual-control lover on a strict budget, the Sony G3’s manual focus and sharper screen offer unique advantages. Its compact size, HDMI output, and respectable photo quality make it a quirky but workable companion for daylight shooting.

• Avoid both as serious professional shooters or anyone needing RAW output, fast autofocus, or advanced controls. They’re simply not designed for demanding work.

Final Verdict: More Than Just Specs

Having personally wrangled both cameras in various scenarios, I appreciate how they represent two philosophies in compact camera design - Canon's focus on social connectivity and simplicity versus Sony's nod to control and image quality within tight constraints.

Canon’s PowerShot N Facebook Ready stands out for social media savvy photographers and travelers wanting compactness with shooting flexibility and sharing convenience. Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-G3 appeals to enthusiasts who prefer manual focus and a crisp display, willing to trade modern features for tactile control.

Factoring in current market prices (Canon ~ $299, Sony ~ $200), the value proposition leans towards Canon for versatility and future-proofing your casual shooting. But if you love a vintage compact touchscreen with manual focus at a value price, Sony's DSC-G3 remains an interesting option.

Either way, understanding these cameras’ limits and strengths helps you pick the right tool to capture your moments with confidence - even if they're not the latest and greatest, their quirks might just fit your style perfectly.

Happy shooting, and remember that sometimes the best camera is the one in your hand, not just the one with the flashiest number of megapixels!