Pentax ist DS2 vs Sony NEX-3N

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony NEX-3N, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the ist DS2 (6MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (APS-C).

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The ist DS2 was revealed 8 years earlier than the NEX-3N and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ist DS2 scores versus the NEX-3N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax ist DS2 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax ist DS2 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Pentax ist DS2 comes with outer measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") along with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax ist DS2 versus Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the ist DS2 versus the NEX-3N.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ist DS2 and NEX-3N is 68 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ist DS2 and NEX-3N.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Sony NEX-3N to give you more detail because of its extra 10MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older ist DS2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.