Ricoh CX1 vs Sony NEX-3

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Ricoh and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The CX1 was announced 15 months before the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the CX1 scores against the NEX-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX1 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are available at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Ricoh CX1 has external dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Analyze the Ricoh CX1 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the CX1 compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the CX1 and NEX-3 is 93 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the CX1 and NEX-3.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The CX1 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will offer extra detail with its extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older CX1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.