Nikon S5100 vs Sony NEX-3

Lets look closer at the Nikon S5100 versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the S5100 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The S5100 was introduced 3 months later than the NEX-3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S5100 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the S5100 scores vs the NEX-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S5100 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon S5100 enjoys external measurements of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Nikon S5100 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the S5100 versus the NEX-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the S5100 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the S5100 and NEX-3.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S5100 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-3 will offer you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively.