Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-3N

Here, we are matching up the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-3N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is very similar but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ-12 was unveiled 13 months before the NEX-3N making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SZ-12 scores vs the NEX-3N in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SZ-12 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-12 offers exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-12 vs Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SZ-12 vs the NEX-3N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and NEX-3N is 89 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and NEX-3N.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-3N will offer greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.