Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Sony NEX-3

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly close but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was announced 2 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the XZ-2 iHS scores against the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers exterior measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-2 iHS vs the NEX-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and NEX-3 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and NEX-3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS with its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-3 will result in greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher XZ-2 iHS will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.