Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39


89 Imaging
57 Features
52 Overall
55
Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Launched June 2011
- Newer Model is Pentax Q10
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 110 x 62 x 35mm
- Launched February 2013
- Previous Model is Sony NEX-F3
- Newer Model is Sony a5000

Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Overview
The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the Q (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the Q (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

The Q was unveiled 20 months earlier than the NEX-3N which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the Q scores against the NEX-3N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Q and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are available at Pentax Q Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Sony NEX-3N
Q | NEX-3N |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3N over the Pentax Q
NEX-3N | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | February 2013 | ![]() | June 2011 | Newer by 20 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Pentax Q and Sony NEX-3N
Q | NEX-3N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen size |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly screen |
Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Physical Comparison
For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax Q enjoys outside dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has sizing 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 the Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the Q and the NEX-3N.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the Q and NEX-3N is 93 and 89 respectively.

Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by seeing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the Q and NEX-3N.
Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The Q with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-3N will produce more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged Q will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax Q vs Sony NEX-3N Specifications
Pentax Q | Sony Alpha NEX-3N | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Q | Sony Alpha NEX-3N |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2011-06-23 | 2013-02-25 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 16000 |
Lowest native ISO | 125 | 200 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 25 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax Q | Sony E |
Number of lenses | 8 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of screen | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen technology | TFT Color LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | 2.0fps | 4.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.60 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync | - |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/2000s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 180 grams (0.40 lb) | 269 grams (0.59 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") | 110 x 62 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 47 | 74 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.2 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.1 | 12.5 |
DXO Low light rating | 189 | 1067 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 shots | 480 shots |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI68 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | - |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | One | One |
Price at launch | $695 | $399 |