Leica M-Monochrom vs Sony NEX-3N

Here is a detailed comparison of the Leica M-Monochrom versus Sony NEX-3N, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Leica and Sony. The resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is pretty similar but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and NEX-3N (APS-C) posses different sensor size.

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The M-Monochrom was unveiled 9 months earlier than the NEX-3N so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the M-Monochrom scores against the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Leica M-Monochrom & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica M-Monochrom offers physical dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Leica M-Monochrom versus Sony NEX-3N in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the M-Monochrom against the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and NEX-3N is 78 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the M-Monochrom and NEX-3N.

Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M-Monochrom having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Leica M-Monochrom will offer greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be behind in sensor innovation.