Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-3N

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-3N, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the HZ30W (12MP) and NEX-3N (16MP) and the HZ30W (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The HZ30W was introduced 4 years earlier than the NEX-3N and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Samsung HZ30W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the HZ30W scores vs the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung HZ30W & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ30W Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Samsung HZ30W offers exterior dimensions of 107mm x 61mm x 28mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has proportions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung HZ30W vs Sony NEX-3N in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the HZ30W compared to the NEX-3N.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the HZ30W and NEX-3N is 91 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through specifications. The visual underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the HZ30W and NEX-3N.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The HZ30W using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will render more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older HZ30W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.