Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX9V

Below, we are matching up the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX9V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is very similar but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and HX9V (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was announced 13 months before the HX9V making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX9V being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the NEX-3 grades against the HX9V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and size. The Sony NEX-3 enjoys physical 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 HX9V has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony HX9V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the NEX-3 and the HX9V.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and HX9V is 89 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The photograph below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-3 and HX9V.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX9V will offer extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older NEX-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.