Panasonic FX90 vs Sony NEX-3

Here is a extended review of the Panasonic FX90 vs Sony NEX-3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FX90 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very close but the FX90 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The FX90 was announced 15 months later than the NEX-3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FX90 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FX90 scores versus the NEX-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX90 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX90 has got external dimensions of 102mm x 56mm x 22mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FX90 vs Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the FX90 against the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FX90 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FX90 and NEX-3.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FX90 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-3 will render more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent FX90 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.