Pentax X70 vs Sony NEX-3

Lets look closer at the Pentax X70 versus Sony NEX-3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the X70 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the X70 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The X70 was unveiled 15 months before the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the X70 scores against the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X70 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X70 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax X70 comes with outside measurements of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") with a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X70 versus Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the X70 and the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X70 and NEX-3 is 71 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specs. The picture underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the X70 and NEX-3.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The X70 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged X70 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.