Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N
69 Imaging
51 Features
47 Overall
49
89 Imaging
57 Features
52 Overall
55
Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Push to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Announced December 2009
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 110 x 62 x 35mm
- Introduced February 2013
- Superseded the Sony NEX-F3
- Newer Model is Sony a5000
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On this page, we are evaluating the Pentax K-x and Sony NEX-3N, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the K-x (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (APS-C).
Photography GlossaryThe K-x was introduced 4 years before the NEX-3N which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the K-x scores against the NEX-3N with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-x Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony NEX-3N
| K-x | NEX-3N |
|---|
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3N over the Pentax K-x
| NEX-3N | K-x | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | February 2013 | December 2009 | More modern by 38 months | |
| Display type | Tilting | Fixed | Tilting display | |
| Display dimensions | 3" | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") | |
| Display resolution | 460k | 230k | Sharper display (+230k dot) |
Common features in the Pentax K-x and Sony NEX-3N
| K-x | NEX-3N | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus | Dial precise focus | |||
| Selfie screen | Lack of selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly display | Lack of Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-x provides outer measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Contrast the Pentax K-x and Sony NEX-3N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the K-x compared to the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-x and NEX-3N is 69 and 89 respectively.
Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The pic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-x and NEX-3N.
As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Sony NEX-3N to show more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged K-x will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.
Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax K-x vs Sony NEX-3N Specifications
| Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha NEX-3N | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha NEX-3N |
| Type | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Announced | 2009-12-23 | 2013-02-25 |
| Physical type | Compact SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Chip | Prime | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor surface area | 372.9mm² | 366.6mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4912 x 3264 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 16000 |
| Highest boosted ISO | 12800 | - |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| Continuous AF | ||
| AF single | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| AF multi area | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detection focusing | ||
| Contract detection focusing | ||
| Phase detection focusing | ||
| Number of focus points | 11 | 25 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Sony E |
| Amount of lenses | 151 | 121 |
| Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen size | 2.7" | 3" |
| Screen resolution | 230k dots | 460k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | None |
| Viewfinder coverage | 96 percent | - |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | - |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Continuous shooting rate | 5.0 frames per sec | 4.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | 16.00 m | - |
| Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | - |
| External flash | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash synchronize | 1/180 secs | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | 1920 x 1080 |
| Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| Mic port | ||
| Headphone port | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 580 grams (1.28 lbs) | 269 grams (0.59 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 110 x 62 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around score | 72 | 74 |
| DXO Color Depth score | 22.8 | 22.8 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| DXO Low light score | 811 | 1067 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 1900 photos | 480 photos |
| Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | 4 x AA | NPFW50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | - |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Storage type | SD/SDHC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Card slots | One | One |
| Pricing at launch | $600 | $399 |