Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX30V

In this article, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX30V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX30V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-3 was launched 21 months earlier than the HX30V which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the NEX-3 matches up against the HX30V with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The complete galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-3 provides external dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony HX30V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-3 compared to the HX30V.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3 and HX30V is 89 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by researching technical specs. The visual below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and HX30V.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX30V will result in greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older NEX-3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.