Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX7V

The following is a in depth analysis of the Sony NEX-3 and Sony HX7V, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the HX7V (16MP) is relatively well matched but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX7V (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-3 was released 13 months before the HX7V which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX7V being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief summary of how the NEX-3 matches up against the HX7V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The complete galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony HX7V Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-3 features exterior measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony HX7V has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-3 and Sony HX7V in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the NEX-3 against the HX7V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and HX7V is 89 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by checking specifications. The pic below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3 and HX7V.

To sum up, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-3 because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Sony HX7V will give greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged NEX-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.