Nikon S8200 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be matching up the Nikon S8200 versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the S8200 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the S8200 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The S8200 was manufactured 15 months later than the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S8200 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the S8200 matches up versus the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S8200 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are provided at Nikon S8200 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S8200 comes with outer dimensions of 104mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 213 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon S8200 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the S8200 compared to the NEX-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S8200 and NEX-3 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through specifications. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S8200 and NEX-3.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S8200 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Nikon S8200 will produce extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger S8200 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.