Olympus E-420 vs Sony NEX-3N

The following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus E-420 versus Sony NEX-3N, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3N (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

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The E-420 was revealed 5 years prior to the NEX-3N which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-420 grades vs the NEX-3N with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 offers outer measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 versus Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-420 against the NEX-3N.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and NEX-3N is 77 and 89 respectively.

Often, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specifications. The picture underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and NEX-3N.

Plainly, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-420 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will give you greater detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-420 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.