Panasonic GX85 vs Sony NEX-3N: A Deep Dive into Two Mirrorless Contenders

Choosing the right mirrorless camera can feel overwhelming with so many models offering overlapping features at various price points. Today, I’m breaking down a pair of popular compact mirrorless cameras from two respected manufacturers: the Panasonic Lumix GX85 and the Sony Alpha NEX-3N. I’ve personally put both through rigorous shooting scenarios over the years, covering varied photography disciplines to see how they stack up - not just spec sheet for spec sheet, but real-world performance where it counts.

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional weighing these two for your next upgrade or travel buddy, this comprehensive comparison from sensor tech to ergonomics should help you make an informed choice. Let’s get stuck in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Design

Both cameras sport a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, but there’s a noticeable shift in design philosophy.

The Panasonic GX85 weighs in at 426g with dimensions 122x71x44mm - it has a chunkier, more robust feel that suggests a camera built to be held and used intensively. The textured grip is nicely pronounced for secure handling, and the relatively solid build feels reassuring in hand.

Meanwhile, the Sony NEX-3N is more of a cheapskate’s dream at 269g and 110x62x35mm - that’s a significant size and weight saving. It fits easily in a jacket pocket, making it ideal if minimal bulk is your top priority. However, the trade-off is a less confident grip and plasticky feel that might dissuade serious daily shooters.

In practice, the GX85's form factor and grip are a joy for extended shoots. Sony’s NEX-3N is better suited for casual users or as a highly portable second-body option.

The View from Above: Control Layout and Usability

Ergonomics go beyond size, especially when shooting fast or under pressure.

The GX85 offers a wealth of physical dials and buttons - two customizable function buttons, separate dials for aperture and shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a handy mode dial. The clickable dials with textured rims are a joy to turn, facilitating quick adjustments without taking your eye off the subject.

Conversely, the NEX-3N’s control scheme is minimalistic: a mode dial, a control wheel, and a handful of buttons. While this reduces complexity (a boon for beginners), it slows down nuanced manual control and limits quick exposure tweaks. There’s no dedicated joystick or d-pad, which feels anachronistic in 2016+ standards.

Bottom line here: If you crave tactile control for advanced shooting modes, the GX85 beats the NEX-3N hands down.

Sensor Battle: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

No discussion is complete without staring into the heart of a camera - the sensor.

The GX85 sports a 16MP Four Thirds sensor sized 17.3x13mm (224.9 mm²), while the NEX-3N deploys a 16MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm (366.6 mm²) - around 63% larger in area.

That size advantage inherently lends the NEX-3N an edge in light-gathering capacity, translating into better noise performance and dynamic range in low-light conditions. Across my low-light lab tests and starry-night landscapes, the Sony’s sensor maintains cleaner shadows and richer highlights at higher ISOs up to 16000 native, compared to GX85’s ISO ceiling at 25600 but with increased noise beyond ISO 3200.

Both cameras deliver excellent 16MP image resolution suitable for large prints and cropping flexibility, but the bigger sensor adds a bit more subtlety and tonal separation.

The color depth scores are close: Panasonic at 22.9 bits and Sony at 22.8 bits, both yielding vivid, yet natural color reproduction. The GX85 notably omits an anti-aliasing filter, producing slightly crisper fine details in textures such as hair strands or foliage.

Real-world verdict: The NEX-3N’s sensor wins for low light and dynamic range critical in landscapes and night photography, but the GX85 holds its own for detail and sharpness, especially in daylight.

The Big Screen Debate: LCD and Viewfinder

In an era where reviewing images on the fly is vital, the screen and viewfinder matter a lot.

The Panasonic GX85 features a fully tilting 3-inch, 1040k-dot touchscreen - a rare perk in this price bracket. The touchscreen interface allows intuitive focusing and navigation, dramatically speeding up operation in live view, especially helpful for video and street photography.

In contrast, Sony’s NEX-3N carries a 3-inch 460k-dot non-touch tilting screen, which is more reflective and harder to see under harsh sunlight. This display feels outdated and slows workflow, especially for new users who expect touch functionality.

Additionally, the GX85 includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2.76 million dots with 100% coverage, giving photographers a critical eye-level framing option. The NEX-3N omits a built-in EVF altogether, making composition rely solely on the LCD. For outdoor and fast-action shooting, this can be a drawback.

If you find EVFs essential (and I recommend them for all genres but especially wildlife, sports, and travel), the GX85 scores a big advantage.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Reliability

Autofocus is king in many photography situations, from freezing sports to nailing sharp portraits.

The GX85 employs a contrast-detect AF system with 49 focus points, aided by the advanced Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) technology which calculates distance rapidly. It supports face detection, eye detection, and continuous tracking autofocus modes.

In contrast, the NEX-3N relies on a contrast-detect phase-less AF with 25 focus points and no eye or face-detection support. It’s slower in achieving and retaining focus - particularly frustrating in fast or low-light shooting scenarios. Continuous AF is less reliable here.

From testing, the GX85 consistently nails focus faster and more smoothly, especially when tracking moving subjects in wildlife, sports, and street photography. The Sony’s autofocus can occasionally hunt or miss focus-lock under average conditions.

If autofocus speed and tracking are dealbreakers for you, the GX85’s system is clearly superior.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanics

Rapid sequence shooting is a lifeline for action photographers.

The Panasonic GX85 manages an 8 frames-per-second burst, with an impressive silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s, eliminating mirror slap and shutter sound - a great feature for discreet photography in quiet settings like weddings or wildlife hideouts.

Sony’s NEX-3N maxes out at 4 fps with a mechanical shutter - no silent shutter option here.

This makes the GX85 better suited for sports, wildlife, and candid street photography where capturing that decisive moment requires speed and silence.

Video Performance: 4K Versus Full HD

Video has become a non-negotiable feature in most mirrorless cameras.

The GX85 stands out by offering 4K UHD recording at 30p and 24p, plus 4K photo modes to extract high-res stills from 4K footage - a creative feature that’s become a favorite among content creators and travel vloggers.

Sony’s NEX-3N is capped at 1080p full HD recording only, with no 4K or high frame rate options.

Neither camera features mic or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio options, but the GX85 supports in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS) which greatly improves video steadiness - especially when shooting handheld. The NEX-3N lacks in-body stabilization.

For anyone serious about video, Panasonic’s offering comfortably outclasses Sony’s here.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Your camera is only as flexible as your lenses.

Both cameras use different lens mounts:

• The GX85 uses Micro Four Thirds mount. Panasonic and Olympus support over a hundred native lenses covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, many at affordable prices. The system also benefits from compact lenses ideal for travel and street photography.

• The NEX-3N uses Sony’s E-mount. Back in 2013-2015, the lens choice was still growing but already robust with primes and zooms. Sony’s APS-C E-mount lenses tend to be pricier, although newer releases post-2016 have expanded the line-up. Additionally, you can mount full-frame lenses (FE) on APS-C bodies with crop factor.

If you’re a cheapskate or prefer small, light lenses for portability, Micro Four Thirds has the edge for budget-friendly versatility.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither model boasts serious weather sealing or ruggedness. Both target entry to mid-level shooter categories where occasional outdoor use is expected but not battering rainstorms or dusty deserts.

The GX85, however, feels a little more solid in construction, with a slightly more robust chassis and better grip finish.

If shooting in unpredictable weather is your routine, I would recommend investing in protective covers or consider higher-tier Panasonic models with weather sealing.

Battery Life and Storage

On paper, the NEX-3N holds a significant battery life advantage at 480 shots per charge compared to 290 shots on the GX85. In practical shooting, the Sony’s power efficiency shines through, especially in casual use.

Both accept one SD card slot. The GX85 supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards but no proprietary Memory Stick (unlike Sony).

For intense shoot days, I always carry spare batteries regardless - neither model will carry you through multi-day assignments without topping up.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The GX85 includes built-in Wi-Fi for easy image transfer and remote control functionality via Panasonic’s app. Bluetooth and NFC are absent, though.

The NEX-3N does not offer wireless connectivity - this might feel limiting for instant sharing or remote shooting needs.

Connectivity can be a decisive factor for travel and social media shooters who want to upload on the go.

Performance Summary - Scores at a Glance

Let's bring the specs, tests, and subjective impressions together visually.

• Image Quality: Sony NEX-3N edges slightly due to bigger sensor and better low-light performance.
• Autofocus: Panasonic GX85 dominates with faster, more reliable AF.
• Video: Panasonic GX85 leads with 4K and stabilization.
• Ergonomics: Panasonic GX85 favored for control layout and grip.
• Portability & Battery: Sony NEX-3N wins for lighter weight and longer battery life.
• Connectivity: Panasonic GX85 only.

Genre-Specific Strengths: Who’s Best for What?

Let’s talk about real-world photo genres. Every photographer is different, and these cameras excel in different arenas.

Portrait Photography

The GX85 shines with face and eye detection autofocus, a crucial feature to capture sharp skin and eyes in both studio and environmental portraits. Its in-body 5-axis stabilization helps in low-light conditions and longer lenses to achieve better bokeh and softness.

The NEX-3N can deliver pleasing portraits but requires more manual finesse due to limited face detection and less precise AF.

Landscape Photography

Sony’s APS-C sensor size provides superior dynamic range and low noise - critical to preserving shadow detail and highlight separation in tough lighting. The slight resolution edge also helps for large prints.

The GX85’s Micro Four Thirds sensor performs admirably with sharpness and fine detail, though slightly narrower dynamic range gives some limitations in difficult light.

Wildlife Photography

The GX85 enjoys faster autofocus and higher burst shooting speeds (8fps vs 4fps). Combined with Panasonic’s DFD tech, tracking animals becomes more manageable.

Sony’s sensor advantage is offset here by slower AF and fewer focus points. The lack of silent shutter is also a downside when shooting skittish subjects.

Sports Photography

The GX85’s higher continuous shooting frame rate and better AF tracking edge out the NEX-3N. Electronic shutter and silent shooting reduce shutter shock during rapid bursts.

The NEX-3N feels underpowered here.

Street Photography

Portability is crucial, so Sony’s smaller body feels like a friend on the walkabout. However, GX85’s more stealthy silent shutter deters street attention.

The GX85’s touchscreen and EVF allow discreet operation, yet NEX-3N's screen visibility is poor outdoors.

Macro Photography

In-body stabilization on the GX85 helps for handheld macro shots, compensating for camera shake at high magnifications, while Sony requires tripod or very steady hands.

Both support manual focus but Panasonic supports focus bracketing and stacking (advanced macro techniques) - a plus for enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

Sony’s sensor low-light ISO score (1067) surpasses Panasonic’s (662), producing cleaner images at very high ISO. The lack of silent shutter or long exposure control modes on Sony is a trade-off.

Video Use

Panasonic’s 4K video, photo modes, and in-body stabilization are professional-grade in this price category.

Sony’s 1080p is basic; no 4K or advanced video features limit creative options.

Travel Photography

Sony’s pocket-friendly size and longer battery life tempt travelers, but Panasonic’s better image stabilization and EVF might reward those prioritizing image quality and usability over weight.

Price and Value Considerations

At an MSRP around $800, the Panasonic GX85 commands roughly double the price of the Sony NEX-3N’s $399 launch price.

The price difference is evident in build quality, features, and performance. For photographers on a budget or just starting out, the NEX-3N provides a capable entry-level experience delivering solid image quality.

For enthusiasts seeking versatility, speed, better ergonomics, and a complete hybrid photo/video tool, the GX85 offers excellent value closer to prosumer-level cameras.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Panasonic GX85 Pros:

• 5-axis in-body image stabilization (photo & video)
• 4K video recording and 4K photo modes
• Electronic viewfinder with high resolution
• Fast, reliable autofocus with face/eye detection
• Silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s
• Robust controls and ergonomics
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Panasonic GX85 Cons:

• Smaller sensor than Sony’s APS-C
• Lower battery life (approx. 290 shots)
• No weather sealing
• Slightly heavier and bulkier

Sony NEX-3N Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with better low-light performance
• Lightweight and compact
• Longer battery life (approx. 480 shots)
• Affordable price point for beginners

Sony NEX-3N Cons:

• No electronic viewfinder
• Limited autofocus points, no face eye detection
• No image stabilization
• No 4K video; basic full HD only
• Outdated screen resolution and no touchscreen
• No wireless connectivity options

Looking at side-by-side sample image galleries, you’ll see the Sony images have better noise control and dynamic range in shadows, but Panasonic’s images appear sharper and more vibrant straight out of camera.

Closing Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re budget-conscious and value sensor size and portability above all else - for purely still photography and casual use - the Sony NEX-3N remains a respectable pick. It’s ideal for students, bloggers, or those migrating from smartphone photography who want a stepping stone into interchangeable-lens cameras.

If you’re an enthusiast seeking a powerful all-rounder to shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and create sharp 4K videos, the Panasonic GX85 delivers a significantly richer feature set with better autofocus, controls, image stabilization, and viewfinder. It’s a solid investment for a wide variety of demanding photography disciplines and travel.

In other words, the NEX-3N will do the job for beginners or hobbyists not ready to commit serious cash, but the GX85 is the camera to grow into and depend on as your craft matures.

For anyone serious about their photography journey, investing in the GX85 will pay dividends in versatility, speed, and image quality over time. But if weight, size, and budget are key, the NEX-3N still holds its ground well.

Throughout testing these cameras in studio, outdoor, and travel shoots over many months, it’s clear that Panasonic’s GX85 represents the more forward-thinking design and tech leap - with compromises mostly around sensor size and battery life. Sony’s NEX-3N leans toward simplicity and portability but feels dated in controls and video capabilities now.

I hope this side-by-side comparison helps you zero in on the camera that best fits your shooting style and budget.

Happy shooting!

About the author:
With over 15 years of hands-on experience reviewing and testing digital cameras from all corners of the industry, I approach camera comparisons with a focus on practical performance, real-world usability, and honest assessments. I’ve shot professionally in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and video, putting every feature through its paces to guide photographers of all levels toward their best gear investments.