Samsung HZ10W vs Sony NEX-3N

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Samsung HZ10W and Sony NEX-3N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the HZ10W (10MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the HZ10W (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

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The HZ10W was announced 4 years before the NEX-3N which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ10W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the HZ10W grades against the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung HZ10W and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung HZ10W Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Samsung HZ10W has got physical dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has specifications of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Samsung HZ10W and Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the HZ10W against the NEX-3N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ10W and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ10W and NEX-3N.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The HZ10W with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3N will provide more detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged HZ10W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.