Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony NEX-3N

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic FZ40 versus Sony NEX-3N, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is very similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was introduced 3 years before the NEX-3N which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the FZ40 scores versus the NEX-3N when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 has got outside measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has specifications of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ40 versus Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FZ40 compared to the NEX-3N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and NEX-3N is 68 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading specifications. The picture here will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ40 and NEX-3N.

To sum up, both of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FZ40 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will offer you greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.