Canon S110 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be evaluating the Canon S110 versus Sony NEX-3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Canon and Sony. The image resolution of the S110 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the S110 (1/1.7") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The S110 was launched 2 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon S110 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the S110 scores against the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S110 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon S110 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon S110 provides outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

See the Canon S110 versus Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the S110 vs the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S110 and NEX-3 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S110 and NEX-3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S110 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The younger S110 provides an edge in sensor tech.