Pentax S1 vs Sony NEX-3N

Below, we will be reviewing the Pentax S1 versus Sony NEX-3N, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the S1 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively close but the S1 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S1 was revealed 24 months prior to the NEX-3N which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the S1 scores against the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio S1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax S1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax S1 features physical dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has proportions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Pentax S1 versus Sony NEX-3N in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the S1 and the NEX-3N.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S1 and NEX-3N is 93 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The photograph below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1 and NEX-3N.

All in all, both cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will render more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older S1 will be behind in sensor innovation.