Panasonic G9 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we are looking at the Panasonic G9 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the G9 (20MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the G9 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The G9 was unveiled 7 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the G9 grades vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic G9 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic G9 comes with outside measurements of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") with a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic G9 and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the G9 vs the NEX-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G9 and NEX-3 is 62 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the G9 and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G9 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Panasonic G9 will provide you with more detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The newer G9 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.