Pentax VS20 vs Sony NEX-3N

Here is a extensive review of the Pentax VS20 and Sony NEX-3N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the VS20 (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VS20 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

Mastering Nature Photography with a Digital Microscope Camera

The VS20 was introduced 13 months prior to the NEX-3N which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the VS20 matches up versus the NEX-3N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio VS20 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are available at Pentax VS20 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax VS20 enjoys external dimensions of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Pentax VS20 and Sony NEX-3N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the VS20 versus the NEX-3N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VS20 and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the VS20 and NEX-3N.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The VS20 contains the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF tougher. The older VS20 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.