Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-3

Let's take a deeper look at the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Ricoh and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the GR Digital IV (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the GR Digital IV (1/1.7") and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GR Digital IV was introduced 16 months later than the NEX-3 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GR Digital IV matches up against the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Ricoh GR Digital IV and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Ricoh GR Digital IV enjoys outside dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

See the Ricoh GR Digital IV vs Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the GR Digital IV against the NEX-3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GR Digital IV and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specifications. The visual below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GR Digital IV and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GR Digital IV with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will offer extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger GR Digital IV is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.