Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W220

In this article, we will be analyzing the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony W220, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the W220 (12MP) is relatively close but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and W220 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-3 was revealed 18 months after the W220 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W220 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the NEX-3 scores versus the W220 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony W220 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-3 features outside dimensions 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 W220 has sizing of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-3 versus Sony W220 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the NEX-3 vs the W220.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and W220 is 89 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by researching specs. The picture here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and W220.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-3 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony NEX-3 will render more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern NEX-3 will have an edge in sensor tech.