Sony NEX-3 vs Sony RX1R

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony RX1R, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and RX1R (Full frame) feature different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-3 was revealed 4 years before the RX1R and that is a fairly big 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 RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the NEX-3 matches up versus the RX1R with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-3 has got outside measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1R has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony RX1R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-3 vs the RX1R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3 and RX1R is 89 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3 and RX1R.

Clearly, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX1R will show greater detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older NEX-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.