Nikon D5300 vs Sony NEX-3

Let's take a more detailed look at the Nikon D5300 versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Nikon and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the D5300 (24MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (APS-C).

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The D5300 was released 3 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5300 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the D5300 matches up vs the NEX-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D5300 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D5300 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon D5300 has exterior dimensions of 125mm x 98mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 480 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Nikon D5300 versus Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the D5300 and the NEX-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D5300 and NEX-3 is 68 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at specifications. The photograph underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D5300 and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Nikon D5300 to give you greater detail as a result of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos more aggressively. The younger D5300 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.