Pentax W80 vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be matching up the Pentax W80 vs Sony NEX-3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the W80 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty close but the W80 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The W80 was unveiled 11 months prior to the NEX-3 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the W80 grades versus the NEX-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio W80 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax W80 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax W80 has got outer measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax W80 vs Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the W80 compared to the NEX-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the W80 and NEX-3 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the gap in sensor dimensions simply by researching a spec sheet. The pic below may give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the W80 and NEX-3.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The W80 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-3 will result in more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged W80 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.