Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-3

Following is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the F5 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The F5 was announced 2 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the F5 matches up against the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic F5 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic F5 offers physical measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and 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).

Analyze the Panasonic F5 vs Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the F5 vs the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the F5 and NEX-3 is 96 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The pic underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the F5 and NEX-3.

As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The F5 uses the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more difficult. The more modern F5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.