Nikon 1 S1 vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to take a deeper look at the Nikon 1 S1 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the 1 S1 (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the 1 S1 (1") and NEX-3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 S1 was announced 3 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief summation of how the 1 S1 grades against the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 S1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon 1 S1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Nikon 1 S1 versus Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the 1 S1 compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the 1 S1 and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 S1 and NEX-3.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S1 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will resolve more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The younger 1 S1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.