Olympus SP-100 vs Sony NEX-3N

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus SP-100 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 SP-100 (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is pretty close but the SP-100 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The SP-100 was revealed 12 months later than the NEX-3N and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SP-100 grades vs the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-100 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony NEX-3N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-100 against the NEX-3N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and NEX-3N is 63 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and NEX-3N.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SP-100 features the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF tougher. The more recent SP-100 will have an advantage in sensor tech.