Pentax P70 vs Sony NEX-3

Let's take a deeper look at the Pentax P70 versus Sony NEX-3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the P70 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the P70 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The P70 was introduced 15 months earlier than the NEX-3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the P70 scores against the NEX-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio P70 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax P70 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax P70 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Pentax P70 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the P70 and the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the P70 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking technical specs. The picture below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the P70 and NEX-3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The P70 with its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-3 will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged P70 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.