Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-3

Let's look more closely at the Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the HZ30W (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very similar but the HZ30W (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The HZ30W was released 4 months prior to the NEX-3 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the HZ30W scores versus the NEX-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ30W & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ30W Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Samsung HZ30W comes with external measurements of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions 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 Samsung HZ30W versus Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the HZ30W compared to the NEX-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ30W and NEX-3 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The visual here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the HZ30W and NEX-3.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The HZ30W due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony NEX-3 will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively.