Samsung WB50F vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we are contrasting the Samsung WB50F vs Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. The resolution of the WB50F (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very close but the WB50F (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The WB50F was revealed 3 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung WB50F being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the WB50F scores against the NEX-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung WB50F & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Samsung WB50F Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Samsung WB50F features exterior dimensions of 101mm x 68mm x 27mm (4.0" x 2.7" x 1.1") with a weight of 207 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Look at the Samsung WB50F vs Sony NEX-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the WB50F and the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the WB50F and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by researching a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the WB50F and NEX-3.

As you can see, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The WB50F using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung WB50F will render extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The newer WB50F will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.