Pentax RZ10 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be reviewing the Pentax RZ10 vs Sony NEX-3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the RZ10 (14MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the RZ10 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) have different sensor measurements.

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The RZ10 was manufactured 14 months after the NEX-3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax RZ10 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the RZ10 scores versus the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio RZ10 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax RZ10 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax RZ10 offers outside dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 33mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst 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 RZ10 vs Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the RZ10 vs the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the RZ10 and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by looking at technical specs. The picture below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the RZ10 and NEX-3.

As you can tell, both the cameras feature the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The RZ10 comes with the tinier sensor which should make getting shallower DOF more difficult. The more recent RZ10 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.