Olympus VR-320 vs Sony NEX-3N

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus VR-320 vs Sony NEX-3N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is very similar but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VR-320 was revealed 19 months before the NEX-3N making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the VR-320 grades vs the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-320 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-320 has external dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 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).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-320 vs Sony NEX-3N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the VR-320 compared to the NEX-3N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and NEX-3N is 94 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and NEX-3N.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The VR-320 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-3N will offer greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older VR-320 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.