Sony A100 vs Sony NEX-3

In this write-up, we are comparing the Sony A100 and Sony NEX-3, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both created by Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the A100 (10MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The A100 was revealed 4 years prior to the NEX-3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the A100 matches up versus the NEX-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are viewable at Sony A100 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Sony A100 provides outer dimensions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") having a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony A100 and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the A100 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A100 and NEX-3 is 64 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the A100 and NEX-3.

Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should expect to see the Sony NEX-3 to give greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged A100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.