Ricoh CX1 vs Sony NEX-3N

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Ricoh CX1 and Sony NEX-3N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Ricoh and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the CX1 (9MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the CX1 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The CX1 was revealed 5 years before the NEX-3N which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Ricoh CX1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the CX1 matches up versus the NEX-3N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh CX1 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The full galleries are provided at Ricoh CX1 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Ricoh CX1 provides external measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3N has specifications of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Ricoh CX1 and Sony NEX-3N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the CX1 versus the NEX-3N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CX1 and NEX-3N is 93 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by going over technical specs. The image here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the CX1 and NEX-3N.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The CX1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will offer you extra detail because of its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged CX1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.