Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W230

The following is a comprehensive overview of the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W230, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was introduced 16 months after the W230 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the NEX-3 grades versus the W230 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-3 provides external measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony W230 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W230 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the NEX-3 vs the W230.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3 and W230 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-3 and W230.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-3 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Sony NEX-3 will give you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent NEX-3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.