Samsung HZ25W vs Sony NEX-3

Let's take a closer look at the Samsung HZ25W versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ25W (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the HZ25W (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The HZ25W was unveiled within a month of the NEX-3 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ25W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple summation of how the HZ25W grades versus the NEX-3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ25W & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Samsung HZ25W Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Samsung HZ25W features exterior dimensions of 116mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Examine the Samsung HZ25W versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the HZ25W compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the HZ25W and NEX-3 is 70 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reading technical specs. The picture here should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the HZ25W and NEX-3.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The HZ25W having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will offer more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively.