Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX300

In this write-up, we are looking at the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX300, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and HX300 (20MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the HX300 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the NEX-3 scores against the HX300 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The full galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony HX300 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-3 offers 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) and the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the NEX-3 compared to the HX300.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3 and HX300 is 89 and 63 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The visual here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and HX300.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 using its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Sony HX300 will give extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older NEX-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.