Sony NEX-3 vs Sony S980

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony S980, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-3 was released 16 months later than the S980 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the NEX-3 scores vs the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Sony NEX-3 comes with physical 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) whilst the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony S980 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the NEX-3 against the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3 and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to see the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking specs. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and S980.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Sony NEX-3 will resolve greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer NEX-3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.