Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX100 VA

Below is a in depth assessment of the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony RX100 VA, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and RX100 VA (1") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The NEX-3 was revealed 9 years before the RX100 VA and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the NEX-3 matches up vs the RX100 VA with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Sony NEX-3 provides exterior dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony RX100 VA in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the NEX-3 vs the RX100 VA.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and RX100 VA is 89 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements merely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and RX100 VA.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will provide greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older NEX-3 will be behind in sensor technology.