Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W560

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W560, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact and both of them are designed by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the W560 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and W560 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-3 was brought out 7 months prior to the W560 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W560 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the NEX-3 matches up versus the W560 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560. The entire galleries are provided at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony W560 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-3 provides physical dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony W560 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

See the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony W560 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the NEX-3 vs the W560.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and W560 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking specifications. The visual here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3 and W560.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with the identical MP but not the same sensor measurements. The NEX-3 contains the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The older NEX-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.