Pentax K-5 vs Sony NEX-3N

On this page, we are analyzing the Pentax K-5 and Sony NEX-3N, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The K-5 was unveiled 3 years before the NEX-3N and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the K-5 scores versus the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-5 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-5 features external dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-5 and Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the K-5 vs the NEX-3N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-5 and NEX-3N is 60 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through specs. The visual below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-5 and NEX-3N.

All in all, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the identical resolution so you should expect comparable quality of photographs although you need to take the production date of the cameras into account. The older K-5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.