Panasonic FP3 vs Sony NEX-3N

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic FP3 and Sony NEX-3N, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is pretty similar but the FP3 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The FP3 was introduced 4 years prior to the NEX-3N and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FP3 grades against the NEX-3N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP3 features exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP3 and Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the FP3 compared to the NEX-3N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FP3 and NEX-3N is 95 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP3 and NEX-3N.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FP3 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will offer you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The older FP3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.