Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3N

Here, we will be analyzing the Panasonic ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3N, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the ZS15 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the ZS15 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

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The ZS15 was introduced 8 months prior to the NEX-3N which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ZS15 grades vs the NEX-3N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS15 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS15 has got exterior dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs) and 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 ZS15 vs Sony NEX-3N in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS15 compared to the NEX-3N.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS15 and NEX-3N is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The pic here will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS15 and NEX-3N.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS15 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-3N will give greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZS15 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.