Leica M-E Typ 220 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we are contrasting the Leica M-E Typ 220 and Sony NEX-3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Leica and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the M-E Typ 220 (18MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the M-E Typ 220 (Full frame) and NEX-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The M-E Typ 220 was released 2 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the M-E Typ 220 grades against the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M-E Typ 220 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Leica M-E Typ 220 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica M-E Typ 220 comes with external dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 585 grams (1.29 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Leica M-E Typ 220 and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the M-E Typ 220 compared to the NEX-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the M-E Typ 220 and NEX-3 is 79 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The image below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the M-E Typ 220 and NEX-3.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The M-E Typ 220 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Leica M-E Typ 220 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The younger M-E Typ 220 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.