Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony NEX-3N

Below is a complete analysis of the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony NEX-3N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the ZS50 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZS50 was manufactured 23 months later than the NEX-3N which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the ZS50 matches up versus the NEX-3N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS50 has outside measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has specifications of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZS50 versus Sony NEX-3N in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS50 against the NEX-3N.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ZS50 and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The photograph here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS50 and NEX-3N.

To sum up, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS50 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-3N will give you extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZS50 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.