Canon SX260 HS vs Sony NEX-3

On this page, we will be reviewing the Canon SX260 HS versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Sony. The resolution of the SX260 HS (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty close but the SX260 HS (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The SX260 HS was brought out 2 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX260 HS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the SX260 HS matches up vs the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX260 HS and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX260 HS Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX260 HS comes with outer dimensions of 106mm x 61mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX260 HS versus Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the SX260 HS against the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX260 HS and NEX-3 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SX260 HS and NEX-3.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SX260 HS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots more aggressively. The newer SX260 HS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.