Sony NEX-3 vs Sony WX30

On this page, we are analyzing the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony WX30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the WX30 (16MP) is very comparable but the NEX-3 (APS-C) and WX30 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3 was introduced 13 months earlier than the WX30 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX30 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the NEX-3 grades against the WX30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha NEX-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX30. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery & Sony WX30 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-3 offers outside measurements 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 WX30 has proportions of 92mm x 52mm x 19mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.7") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-3 vs Sony WX30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the NEX-3 versus the WX30.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3 and WX30 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The image here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3 and WX30.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-3 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony WX30 will provide greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged NEX-3 will be behind in sensor technology.