Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX100

Below is a in depth analysis of the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and RX100 (1") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-3 was released 3 years before the RX100 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the NEX-3 matches up versus the RX100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-3 features external dimensions 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 RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-3 against the RX100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and RX100 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements only by seeing specifications. The visual underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and RX100.

To sum up, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Sony RX100 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The older NEX-3 will be behind in sensor innovation.