Pentax K-50 vs Sony NEX-3

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax K-50 versus Sony NEX-3, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-50 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The K-50 was introduced 3 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the K-50 grades vs the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-50 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-50 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-50 has exterior dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-50 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the K-50 compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-50 and NEX-3 is 63 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through technical specs. The picture here may give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-50 and NEX-3.

As you can tell, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Pentax K-50 to resolve greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The fresher K-50 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.