Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony NEX-3

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly close but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) feature different sensor size.

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The SP-820UZ was released 2 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the SP-820UZ matches up against the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ enjoys outer measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and NEX-3 is 69 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and NEX-3.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but different sensor sizes. The SP-820UZ uses the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF harder. The more recent SP-820UZ provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.