Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony NEX-3

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus SZ-10 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-10 was launched 9 months later than the NEX-3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the SZ-10 matches up against the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-10 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-10 provides external measurements of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions 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 SZ-10 and Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the SZ-10 versus the NEX-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking specifications. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-10 and NEX-3.

To sum up, the two cameras offer the same exact resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-10 contains the tinier sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field more difficult. The newer SZ-10 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.