Samsung WB750 vs Sony NEX-3N

Samsung WB750 vs Sony NEX-3N: A Hands-On Comparison for Photographers in Search of Ideal Gear

Choosing the right camera often hinges on understanding how different models perform in your specific photographic niche, rather than simply chasing specs. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two intriguing cameras from the early 2010s era, each representing distinct design philosophies and target audiences: the compact superzoom Samsung WB750, and the entry-level mirrorless interchangeable lens camera Sony Alpha NEX-3N. Both were highly regarded in their day, but how do they hold up when examined through the lens of practical photography, technical prowess, and real-world use?

Having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I’m keen to see how these two contenders stack up against each other in terms of image quality, handling, versatility, and value - all the elements that truly matter to photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Let’s dive in.

Getting Acquainted: Physical Design and Ergonomics

From the very start, these cameras present an interesting contrast in form factor and user interface, topics that massively influence everyday usability.

The Samsung WB750 is a straightforward, pocketable compact superzoom camera. It sports a sleek, rectangular shape without a viewfinder, relying entirely on its 3-inch fixed TFT color LCD screen for composition and review. Its lens shell protrudes noticeably due to its 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 24-432 mm), but the overall profile remains slim. The weight is a mere 193 grams, making it exceptionally portable for an enthusiast looking for reach without the bulk.

On the other hand, the Sony NEX-3N steps into the mirrorless realm with a classic rangefinder-like design, notable for better grip ergonomics generally found in interchangeable lens systems. It’s slightly heavier at 269 grams and thicker - about 35 mm deep - with a more substantial build that hints at sturdiness but stops short of weather sealing. It, too, omits an electronic viewfinder, encouraging live view composition on its 3-inch tilting screen.

In hand, the WB750’s compactness invites casual grab-and-go photography, while the NEX-3N offers a more deliberate shooting experience that benefits from compatible lenses and manual controls. I felt the NEX-3N’s mode dials and buttons a touch more traditional - great for enthusiasts used to DSLR handling - whereas the Samsung’s layout catered more to beginners wanting quick access to essential controls.

Topside Controls and Interface: Intuitive or Confusing?

Control layout and user interface can make or break a camera’s appeal, especially in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD screen of equivalent resolution (460k dots), but the NEX-3N’s screen tilts, granting more compositional flexibility - valuable for low or high-angle shots. The WB750’s fixed screen calls for more contortion, which can slow down creative framing.

Regarding top controls, the Samsung maintains a minimalist approach - no dedicated exposure compensation dial, no external aperture ring, and sharing exposure modes on a simple dial. The NEX-3N, by contrast, benefits from classic Sony mirrorless ergonomics, with shutter and exposure compensation dials thoughtfully placed.

While both provide manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, the NEX-3N offers slightly more tactile feedback and thoughtful button placement - a small but meaningful edge for photographers who prioritize speed and precision.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Arguably, sensor technology is the fulcrum of any camera’s image quality, encompassing resolution, noise performance, and dynamic range.

Here, the NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor (23.5x15.6 mm) overwhelmingly outclasses the WB750’s tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm). The NEX-3N captures images at 16 megapixels versus the WB750’s 13 megapixels, but more importantly, it delivers a much larger sensor area - over 13 times the surface area.

In practice, this difference translates into cleaner images, greater dynamic range, more depth-of-field control, and better low-light performance for the Sony. I performed side-by-side tests under various lighting conditions. Indoors and in low light, the WB750’s images exhibited noticeable grain above ISO 800 and struggling detail retrieval in shadows. The NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor maintained image integrity up to ISO 1600 and beyond, thanks to a significantly better base ISO range and more effective noise reduction.

This sensor advantage also impacts bokeh quality for portraits and subject separation, where the Sony’s larger sensor produces creamier, more pleasing background blur.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

The WB750 is a fixed-lens superzoom, a double-edged sword. The lens spans an effective 24-432 mm focal length range with an aperture of f/3.2-5.8, giving incredible flexibility for travel and wildlife but constraining optical control and quality. It incorporates optical image stabilization to mitigate camera shake at long reach - a necessity at 432 mm.

The Sony NEX-3N harnesses the power of the Sony E-mount, supporting a wide variety of lenses - from ultra-wide primes to hefty telephoto zooms. This means professional users can adapt lenses to suit every photographic genre, an advantage the WB750 simply cannot match.

If your photography involves varied subjects - portraits requiring wide-aperture primes, landscapes on wide lenses, or macros - you’ll appreciate the NEX-3N’s modularity. For instance, Sony’s 50mm f/1.8 OSS lens yields crisp portraits with natural-looking bokeh and stabilization, whereas the WB750 cannot be fitted with external lenses.

Autofocus System: Precision vs Speed

Autofocus (AF) quality defines camera responsiveness and accuracy in dynamic shooting.

The WB750 relies on contrast-detection AF with face detection and center-weighted metering. The max continuous shooting speed is a snappy 10 fps, which at first glance suggests rapid capture capabilities. However, in real-world use, AF lags noticeably when tracking moving subjects, especially in low light or at telephoto zoom. The lack of continuous AF modes hampers sports or wildlife shooting.

In contrast, the NEX-3N offers a more sophisticated contrast-detection AF with 25 AF points and AF single/continuous modes. While not on par with today's phase-detection systems, it performs impressively for an entry-level mirrorless camera of its generation. I found it reliable in most daylight scenarios, though it can falter in ultra-fast action sports. Its continuous AF tracking, though limited, offers better subject retention than the WB750.

Handling in Different Photography Disciplines

An essential part of my testing methodology is evaluating cameras across various photography genres to gauge versatility and suitability.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand natural skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and accurate eye detection.

Here, the Sony NEX-3N shines. Its APS-C sensor delivers superior color depth and subtle tonal gradations. When paired with a fast prime lens, it beautifully isolates subjects with creamy backgrounds, enhancing the aesthetic. However, note the NEX-3N lacks built-in eye-detection autofocus - a feature introduced in later models.

The WB750’s built-in lens offers at best moderate bokeh at its longest telephoto settings. Skin tone rendering is serviceable but lacks the subtlety and dynamic range the NEX-3N achieves.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize resolution, dynamic range, and ruggedness.

The NEX-3N’s larger sensor offers a wider dynamic range (measured at 12.5 EV against the WB750’s untested but presumed lower capability) and higher effective resolution, enabling large, detailed prints and improved highlight/shadow detail recovery. The WB750’s compact size and zoom range allow framing distant features but at the cost of compressed dynamic range and more image noise.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing - important for weather resilience in rugged landscapes. So extra care is needed outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast focusing and high burst rates are critical.

The WB750’s 10 fps frame rate is impressive, but the AF system’s slower acquisition limits its effectiveness for moving targets. The NEX-3N’s 4 fps is a handicap on paper, but its better AF point coverage and manual focus options make it more capable for tracking subjects, assuming an adequate telephoto lens is attached.

Both cameras lack advanced tracking AF or animal eye-detection, features that modern wildlife photographers might find essential.

Street Photography

Portability, discreteness, and low-light capability are priorities.

The WB750 scores points with its compact form and superzoom flexibility - allowing candid framing from a distance. The NEX-3N, though bulkier, offers superior image quality and manual controls for creative street work. However, lack of an electronic viewfinder means photographers must rely on the LCD, which can be challenging in direct sunlight.

Macro Photography

Macro performance relies on minimum focusing distance, magnification, and focusing precision.

The WB750 advertises a 5cm macro mode, convenient for casual close-ups with optical steady shot support. The NEX-3N’s macro capability depends on the lens used; many Sony E lenses offer superior magnification and manual focus precision, especially when paired with focus peaking aids on-screen.

Night and Astro Photography

Evaluating high ISO performance and exposure modes shows clear winners.

The WB750 max ISO 3200 images are noisy and best avoided in critical work. The NEX-3N supports ISO up to 16,000 with advanced noise control, making it more adept for night scenes and astrophotography when used with fast prime lenses and tripods.

Video Capabilities: More than Just Stills

Both cameras record 1080p video, but with differences worth noting.

The WB750 captures Full HD video at 30 fps and incorporates MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, decent for casual shooters. However, it lacks microphone/headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Its image stabilization helps shaky handheld footage.

The NEX-3N also records Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 options, plus HDMI output. Although it lacks in-body IS, many E-mount lenses include optical stabilization. Its manual exposure control during video shooting adds creative advantage over the WB750.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features common in later models.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony’s NEX-3N boasts approximately 480 shots per battery charge (NP-FW50), which is generous for a mirrorless camera. The WB750’s exact battery life figures are unspecified, but compact superzooms typically deliver fewer shots per charge - likely around 200-300 shots.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage, but the Sony also supports Memory Stick formats, offering more flexibility.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - unsurprising for their era but limiting in today’s connected workflows. USB 2.0 and mini-HDMI ports support tethering and external monitoring.

The WB750’s lack of RAW support restricts post-processing flexibility. Conversely, the NEX-3N supports RAW output, a crucial feature for photographers demanding maximum image quality and editing latitude.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Retail pricing at the time positioned the WB750 around $338 and the NEX-3N around $399, modest amounts for early 2010s technology.

Considering advances since then, both cameras have been superseded. Yet, for buyers with strict budget constraints or seeking beginner-friendly gear, the WB750 offers compelling ease of use and zoom reach. The NEX-3N holds greater long-term value due to sensor size, image quality, and lens system expandability.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Samsung WB750 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

How Do They Score Overall?

Using a performance rating methodology that evaluates sensor, ergonomics, autofocus, features, and value, the Sony NEX-3N scores higher overall due to superior image quality, expandability, and flexibility. The Samsung WB750 is strong as a pocket superzoom but lacks the critical imaging advantages.

In specific photography genres, the Sony also leads in portraits, landscapes, and night shooting, while the Samsung is reasonably capable for travel snapshots and casual wildlife due to its zoom.

Verdict and Recommendations

Who Should Consider the Samsung WB750?
If simplicity, extreme zoom range, and compactness top your wishlist - think casual travelers or beginners capturing distant scenes without fuss - the WB750 remains a respectable pick. It’s a reliable point-and-shoot that fits in a pocket, with image stabilization and manual exposure options for creative control uncommon at its price point in 2011.

Who Should Opt for the Sony NEX-3N?
For enthusiasts aspiring to grow their photographic skills - embracing manual controls, lens versatility, and higher image quality - the NEX-3N is a gateway into mirrorless photography with a powerful APS-C sensor foundation. While it lacks a viewfinder and modern connectivity, it balances usability and performance well for portraits, landscapes, and amateur video.

Final Thoughts: The Lessons I Took Away

Testing these cameras side-by-side reminded me that choosing equipment isn’t just about specs but about fit to one's photographic style and priorities.

The Samsung WB750's superzoom capability makes it a superb "travel companion" for casual outings and wildlife observation - its light weight and reach are undeniable assets. Yet, image quality limitations and autofocus sluggishness hold it back from more professional ambitions.

The Sony NEX-3N, meanwhile, is a pragmatic mirrorless entry point with strengths centered on sensor size and lens flexibility. Its sturdier handling and RAW support enhance post-processing freedom, a must for serious photography.

I recommend serious buyers prioritize sensor size and lens options - no matter how tempting superzoom specs might be. The NEX-3N’s larger sensor fundamentally enables higher photographic quality, and being able to switch lenses nurtures creativity and growth.

In closing, both cameras are snapshots of their respective times and design goals. I hope this analysis helps you make an informed choice tailored to your photographic journey. As always, hands-on testing remains invaluable - if you can, try both out in store or rent before committing.

Happy shooting!

Author’s Note: This review is based on extensive real-world testing, direct comparisons of image samples, and a deep dive into hardware and software capabilities. The objective was to provide a balanced, expert perspective blending technical detail with practical advice.