Olympus VR-330 vs Sony NEX-3

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus VR-330 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VR-330 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the VR-330 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The VR-330 was manufactured 9 months later than the NEX-3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the VR-330 grades against the NEX-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-330 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VR-330 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-330 comes with exterior dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VR-330 and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the VR-330 vs the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VR-330 and NEX-3 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking specifications. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VR-330 and NEX-3.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The VR-330 offers the tinier sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The fresher VR-330 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.