Olympus FE-45 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus FE-45 versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FE-45 (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the FE-45 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The FE-45 was released 17 months earlier than the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-45 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the FE-45 scores against the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-45 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus FE-45 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-45 has got external dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-45 versus Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-45 vs the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-45 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specifications. The picture below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-45 and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FE-45 due to its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-3 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged FE-45 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.