Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX1

Below is a thorough overview of the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Sony. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was launched 14 months later than the HX1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the NEX-3 grades vs the HX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Sony NEX-3 provides outside dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the NEX-3 versus the HX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and HX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by looking through specs. The visual below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony NEX-3 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The more modern NEX-3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.