Olympus SZ-11 vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SZ-11 and Sony NEX-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively close but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-11 was introduced 14 months later than the NEX-3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SZ-11 scores vs the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-11 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 features external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-11 and Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SZ-11 and the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and NEX-3 is 89 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by looking through specifications. The visual underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-11 and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of these cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The SZ-11 comes with the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The more modern SZ-11 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.