Samsung CL80 vs Sony NEX-C3

Here, we will be evaluating the Samsung CL80 vs Sony NEX-C3, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the CL80 (14MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the CL80 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The CL80 was announced 19 months earlier than the NEX-C3 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Samsung CL80 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short view of how the CL80 matches up against the NEX-C3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung CL80 and Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung CL80 Gallery and Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Samsung CL80 has physical dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sony NEX-C3 has specifications of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Look at the Samsung CL80 vs Sony NEX-C3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the CL80 vs the NEX-C3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the CL80 and NEX-C3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by going through specifications. The pic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the CL80 and NEX-C3.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CL80 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-C3 will produce greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged CL80 will be behind in sensor tech.