Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-3

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and NEX-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The FS42 was introduced 13 months earlier than the NEX-3 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FS42 grades versus the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FS42 has got physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 vs Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the FS42 vs the NEX-3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and NEX-3.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FS42 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will show extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.