Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony NEX-3N

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony NEX-3N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-10 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is pretty close but the SZ-10 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-10 was announced 24 months earlier than the NEX-3N which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SZ-10 scores against the NEX-3N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-10 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-10 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-10 provides physical dimensions of 106mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has sizing of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-10 against the NEX-3N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-10 and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-10 and NEX-3N.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SZ-10 using its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will provide you with extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older SZ-10 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.