Panasonic GF2 vs Sony NEX-3N

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic GF2 and Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the GF2 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the GF2 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3N (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GF2 was introduced 24 months earlier than the NEX-3N which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GF2 matches up versus the NEX-3N when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF2 features exterior measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has sizing of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF2 and Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the GF2 compared to the NEX-3N.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GF2 and NEX-3N is 88 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The pic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF2 and NEX-3N.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GF2 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-3N will deliver more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged GF2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.