Olympus SZ-15 vs Sony NEX-3N

Let's look closer at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony NEX-3N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SZ-15 (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-15 was announced 4 months later than the NEX-3N and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SZ-15 matches up against the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-15 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 features exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus SZ-15 versus Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ-15 vs the NEX-3N.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and NEX-3N is 88 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and NEX-3N.

Clearly, each of these cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SZ-15 has the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging.