Sony NEX-3 vs Sony S930

On this page, we are evaluating the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony S930, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the NEX-3 (14MP) and S930 (10MP) and the NEX-3 (APS-C) and S930 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-3 was announced 18 months later than the S930 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S930 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the NEX-3 matches up against the S930 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S930. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony S930 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-3 has got outside dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) while the Sony S930 has sizing of 90mm x 61mm x 26mm (3.5" x 2.4" x 1.0") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony S930 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the NEX-3 versus the S930.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and S930 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing specifications. The photograph below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and S930.

To sum up, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3 using its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Sony NEX-3 will show more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer NEX-3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.