Olympus SP-565UZ vs Sony NEX-3

On this page, we are matching up the Olympus SP-565UZ versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The SP-565UZ was brought out 16 months before the NEX-3 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SP-565UZ scores vs the NEX-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-565UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-565UZ has physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-565UZ versus Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-565UZ compared to the NEX-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-565UZ and NEX-3 is 72 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by going over technical specs. The picture below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-565UZ and NEX-3.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-565UZ because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-3 will offer greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged SP-565UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.