Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX10

Here, we are evaluating the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX10, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and RX10 (1") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was launched 4 years earlier than the RX10 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the NEX-3 matches up against the RX10 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-3 enjoys outside measurements 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 RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") along with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the NEX-3 vs the RX10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and RX10 is 89 and 58 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-3 and RX10.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony RX10 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older NEX-3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.