Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6
87 Imaging
49 Features
79 Overall
61


85 Imaging
57 Features
76 Overall
64
Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 18MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 160 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 381g - 111 x 65 x 33mm
- Revealed March 2014
- Superseded the Nikon 1 V2
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 345g - 120 x 67 x 43mm
- Released March 2013
- Refreshed by Sony A6000

Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Overview
In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Nikon 1 V3 and Sony NEX-6, both Advanced Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 V3 (18MP) and the NEX-6 (16MP) is relatively similar but the 1 V3 (1") and NEX-6 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

The 1 V3 was unveiled 12 months later than the NEX-6 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the 1 V3 scores vs the NEX-6 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 V3 and Sony Alpha NEX-6. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V3 Gallery and Sony NEX-6 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 V3 over the Sony NEX-6
1 V3 | NEX-6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | March 2014 | ![]() | March 2013 | More recent by 12 months |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 921k | Clearer screen (+116k dot) |
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-6 over the Nikon 1 V3
NEX-6 | 1 V3 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon 1 V3 and Sony NEX-6
1 V3 | NEX-6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Physical Comparison
If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 V3 provides exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 381 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-6 has sizing of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).
Compare the Nikon 1 V3 and Sony NEX-6 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the 1 V3 vs the NEX-6.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 V3 and NEX-6 is 87 and 85 respectively.

Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over specs. The graphic here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 V3 and NEX-6.
All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 V3 with its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Nikon 1 V3 will offer greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent 1 V3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.

Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 V3 vs Sony NEX-6 Specifications
Nikon 1 V3 | Sony Alpha NEX-6 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon 1 V3 | Sony Alpha NEX-6 |
Category | Advanced Mirrorless | Advanced Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2014-03-13 | 2013-03-25 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed 4A | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 18 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 5232 x 3488 | 4912 x 3264 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 171 | 99 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Available lenses | 13 | 121 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of screen | 1,037k dot | 921k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen technology | TFT-LCD | Xtra Fine LCD with Tilt Up 90� and Down 45� |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,359k dot | 2,359k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.73x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Maximum silent shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting speed | 60.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m (ISO 100) | 6.00 m |
Flash settings | Fill-flash, fill-flash w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear curtain w/slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/250 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 381 grams (0.84 pounds) | 345 grams (0.76 pounds) |
Dimensions | 111 x 65 x 33mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") | 120 x 67 x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 52 | 78 |
DXO Color Depth score | 20.8 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 10.7 | 13.1 |
DXO Low light score | 384 | 1018 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 310 photographs | 360 photographs |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20a | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse shooting | With downloadable app | |
Type of storage | microSD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Pricing at launch | $997 | $365 |