Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX5

Here, we will be analyzing the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX5 (1/2.4") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-3 was released at a similar time to the HX5 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the NEX-3 matches up against the HX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-3 has got outer 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 HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the NEX-3 versus the HX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and HX5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-3 and HX5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony NEX-3 will render more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively.