Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3
85 Imaging
59 Features
58 Overall
58
89 Imaging
53 Features
55 Overall
53
Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12500
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Leica L Mount
- 384g - 134 x 69 x 33mm
- Released November 2016
- Updated by Leica TL2
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1280 x 720 video
- Sony E Mount
- 297g - 117 x 62 x 33mm
- Announced June 2010
- Newer Model is Sony NEX-C3
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Below, we will be evaluating the Leica TL and Sony NEX-3, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Leica and Sony. The image resolution of the TL (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty similar and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (APS-C).
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe TL was launched 6 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the TL matches up versus the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Here is a preview of the gallery images for Leica TL & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Leica TL Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Leica TL over the Sony NEX-3
| TL | NEX-3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | November 2016 | June 2010 | More modern by 79 months | |
| Screen dimension | 3.7" | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.7") | |
| Screen resolution | 1230k | 920k | Sharper screen (+310k dot) | |
| Touch screen | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3 over the Leica TL
| NEX-3 | TL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Leica TL and Sony NEX-3
| TL | NEX-3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Very exact focusing | |||
| Selfie screen | No selfie screen |
Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3 Physical Comparison
If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Leica TL enjoys external dimensions of 134mm x 69mm x 33mm (5.3" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 384 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).
Examine the Leica TL and Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the TL vs the NEX-3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TL and NEX-3 is 85 and 89 respectively.
Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by going over technical specs. The image below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the TL and NEX-3.
As you can tell, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Leica TL to offer extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The younger TL is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.
Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3 Screen and ViewFinder
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Leica TL vs Sony NEX-3 Specifications
| Leica TL | Sony Alpha NEX-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Company | Leica | Sony |
| Model type | Leica TL | Sony Alpha NEX-3 |
| Category | Advanced Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Released | 2016-11-08 | 2010-06-07 |
| Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | - | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.7mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor surface area | 370.5mm² | 365.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 4928 x 3264 | 4592 x 3056 |
| Highest native ISO | 12500 | 12800 |
| Lowest native ISO | 100 | 200 |
| RAW pictures | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Single autofocus | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | - | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens support | Leica L | Sony E |
| Available lenses | 4 | 121 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen sizing | 3.7 inches | 3 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1,230k dots | 920k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen technology | - | TFT Xtra Fine LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | None |
| Features | ||
| Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Continuous shooting rate | 5.0 frames/s | 7.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | 4.50 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m |
| Flash options | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, off, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Highest flash synchronize | - | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | MPEG-4 | MPEG-4 |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | Optional | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 384 gr (0.85 lbs) | 297 gr (0.65 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 134 x 69 x 33mm (5.3" x 2.7" x 1.3") | 117 x 62 x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around rating | not tested | 68 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 22.1 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.0 |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | 830 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 400 photos | 330 photos |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | BP-DC13 | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
| Time lapse recording | ||
| Storage type | Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Card slots | Single | Single |
| Launch pricing | $1,009 | $0 |