Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-3

Below, we will be contrasting the Nikon 1 V1 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the 1 V1 (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the 1 V1 (1") and NEX-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 1 V1 was announced 20 months after the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the 1 V1 scores vs the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 V1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 V1 has outer measurements of 113mm x 76mm x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") and a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing 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 V1 versus Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the 1 V1 compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V1 and NEX-3 is 84 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specs. The image below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 V1 and NEX-3.

All in all, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 V1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will provide you with more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher 1 V1 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.