Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony NEX-3

The following is a detailed comparison of the Nikon 1 V2 and Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the 1 V2 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 V2 (1") and NEX-3 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The 1 V2 was introduced 2 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 V2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the 1 V2 scores vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 V2 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V2 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 V2 offers external measurements of 109mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.3" x 3.2" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 278 grams (0.61 lbs) and 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).

Contrast the Nikon 1 V2 and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the 1 V2 vs the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 V2 and NEX-3 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through specs. The image underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 V2 and NEX-3.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The 1 V2 has got the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier. The more modern 1 V2 provides an advantage in sensor technology.