Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus SZ-12 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was announced 20 months later than the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-12 grades vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 offers exterior measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has sizing 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 SZ-12 and Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the SZ-12 vs the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and NEX-3 is 89 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and NEX-3.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got the exact same MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-12 includes the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF tougher. The younger SZ-12 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.