Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The SP-800 UZ was released 4 months before the NEX-3 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the SP-800 UZ scores vs the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ enjoys outside dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") having a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-800 UZ and the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and NEX-3 is 69 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The pic underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and NEX-3.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizes. The SP-800 UZ provides the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF more challenging.