Samsung HZ15W vs Sony NEX-3N

Below, we are analyzing the Samsung HZ15W and Sony NEX-3N, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the HZ15W (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the HZ15W (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) enjoy different sensor size.

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The HZ15W was introduced 5 years prior to the NEX-3N which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the HZ15W grades vs the NEX-3N in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung HZ15W and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ15W Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Samsung HZ15W has outer dimensions of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has sizing of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Samsung HZ15W and Sony NEX-3N in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the HZ15W vs the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ15W and NEX-3N.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The HZ15W with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3N will show greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged HZ15W will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.