Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX20V

Here is a in-depth overview of the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX20V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX20V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was introduced 3 years before the HX20V and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the NEX-3 matches up against the HX20V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-3 has got exterior measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX20V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the NEX-3 versus the HX20V.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and HX20V is 89 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3 and HX20V.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX20V will produce more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images far more aggressively. The older NEX-3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.