Sony NEX-3 vs Sony WX30: An Expert Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When evaluating cameras within Sony’s diverse lineup from the early 2010s, the decision between the Sony Alpha NEX-3 mirrorless and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX30 compact demands a detailed, expert examination, considering not only specifications but real-world photographic performance. Both cameras target vastly different segments: the NEX-3 aims to attract entry-level mirrorless enthusiasts seeking sensor size and flexibility, while the WX30 caters to casual users valuing portability and convenience. After personally testing hundreds of cameras across genres and scenarios, this comprehensive comparative review dissects key aspects to illuminate strengths, weaknesses, and ideal usage cases - empowering your informed purchase decision.

Design and Ergonomics: Handling vs. Portability

At first glance, the Sony NEX-3 presents a more substantial rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring approximately 117 x 62 x 33 mm and weighing about 297g, offering a more robust grip and thumb rest that facilitates stability during longer shoots - a crucial benefit for enthusiasts requiring more manual control. The absence of a built-in viewfinder is a notable ergonomic compromise, which some might find limits precision framing in bright conditions.

Conversely, the WX30 is remarkably compact (92 x 52 x 19 mm) and ultraportable, with a lighter 117g body, making it ideal for spontaneous street photography or travel. The WX30’s svelte profile, however, naturally constrains physical controls and grip comfort during extended use. The fixed lens design additionally promotes pocketability but restricts creative flexibility.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD screen, but the NEX-3’s tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD with 920k-dot resolution offers better compositional versatility over the WX30’s fixed 922k-dot XtraFine touchscreen - though the touchscreen provides intuitive interaction for novices.

The NEX-3’s top controls, including dedicated dials for exposure compensation and mode selection, reinforce a more tactile and manual shooting experience, absent in the WX30, which relies heavily on menu-based and touchscreen operation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

This section epitomizes one of the most substantial divides between the two cameras and explains their targeted user bases.

The Sony NEX-3 employs a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), one of the largest sensor sizes available during its time outside professional DSLRs. This sensor area of roughly 365 mm² allows for superior light gathering, resulting in better image quality, dynamic range, and noise control, especially in low light.

In contrast, the WX30’s 16-megapixel sensor measures just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (1/2.3"), with around 28 mm² area, a substantial reduction that impacts performance in noise and dynamic range. Its BSI-CMOS architecture does help marginally with light sensitivity, but physical sensor size remains the principal limitation.

Laboratory and real-world testing affirm the NEX-3’s DxOMark color depth of 22.1 bits, dynamic range of 12 EV (excellent for its class), and low-light ISO performance rated at 830 equivalent, allowing usable images at ISO 1600-3200. The WX30’s sensor remains untested by DxO but is categorically inferior because of its sensor scale, making noise apparent above ISO 800.

Image resolution from both cameras reaches roughly 14-16 megapixels; however, the NEX-3’s larger sensor excels at rendering fine detail with less noise interference, critical for demanding portrait and landscape applications.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

For photographers relying on dependable AF, the NEX-3 and WX30 offer markedly different capabilities, reflecting their respective market positioning.

The Sony NEX-3 utilizes a 25-point contrast-detection autofocus system emphasizing multi-area and selective AF modes, with face detection included but lacking eye detection - a feature that debuted in later models. Although limited by contrast-detection alone (no hybrid phase detection), its AF speed is acceptable for static subjects and moderate movement, supporting continuous AF during bursts up to 7 fps.

The WX30’s AF system supplies 9 AF points, predominantly center-weighted and contrast-based, with slower and less consistent acquisition, especially under low-light conditions or with fast-moving subjects. Its continuous AF is not supported, which restricts its utility in dynamic shooting scenarios.

In practical testing, the NEX-3 achieves more reliable focus lock on eyes and faces and better subject tracking, favoring portrait and controlled action photography, whereas the WX30’s system suffices for casual snapshots but may frustrate more critical users.

Exposure Control and Manual Operation

One of the NEX-3’s standout advantages lies in its comprehensive exposure modes, which include shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual control, alongside exposure compensation and customizable white balance. Such flexibility makes it suitable for learning advanced photography principles and creative experimentation.

The WX30 lacks shutter and aperture priority modes, offering only program and fully automatic exposure control, which appeal primarily to casual photographers uninterested in manual tweaking. Additionally, exposure compensation is not supported, limiting artistic control over brightness.

The NEX-3’s maximum shutter speed extends to 1/4000s, suitable for freezing fast motion, versus the WX30’s 1/1600s max shutter speed, which can be restrictive for bright conditions and action freezing.

Lens Ecosystem: Creativity vs. Convenience

Lens compatibility is a crucial determinant for users considering long-term photographic growth.

The Sony NEX-3 supports the E-mount system, granting access to a sizable and varied lens catalog exceeding 120 lenses, including prime, zoom, macro, and specialty optics from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. This ecosystem facilitates exploration across genres, such as portrait (fast primes for creamy bokeh), landscape (ultra-wide and tilt-shift), and macro photography.

In stark contrast, the WX30 comes with a fixed 25-125mm equivalent F2.6-6.3 zoom lens that, while versatile for everyday shooting, confines creative expression. The lens offers modest reach and macro capability down to 5cm focusing distance but without interchangeable options.

Hence, the NEX-3 holds decisive superiority for users desiring to evolve photographic technique and lens experimentation.

Image Stabilization: Trade-offs in Image Sharpness

The WX30 incorporates optical image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot), beneficial in reducing camera shake during handheld shooting in low light or at telephoto focal lengths. This improves image sharpness and usability of slower shutter speeds.

The NEX-3 lacks in-body stabilization, relying on lens-based optical or electronic stabilization if available on the selected lens - which during its launch era was rare, especially in budget lenses. Consequently, handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds requires careful technique or a tripod for the NEX-3 to avoid blur.

Therefore, the WX30’s implementation favors handheld portability and point-and-shoot ease, whereas the NEX-3 demands a more considered approach to stabilization.

Video Capabilities: HD Quality vs. Versatility

Sony positioned both cameras with video recording features, but the WX30 surprisingly offers higher resolution video capture at 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60 fps (progressive), recorded in AVCHD format, whereas the NEX-3 maxes out at 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format.

This distinction grants the WX30 smoother and higher-quality video, aligning with casual video users and vloggers. However, the NEX-3’s larger sensor has the potential for more cinematic shallow depth of field and overall better low-light performance, albeit limited by its lower resolution and less advanced video codec.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, limiting manual audio control options. The absence of 4K or higher frame rates restricts professional video applications.

Battery Life and Storage

Despite the NEX-3’s more substantial form factor, it manages approximately 330 shots per charge (CIPA rating) using its NP-FW50 battery, outperforming the WX30’s 250 shots on the smaller NP-BN1 battery. This advantage benefits longer shooting sessions common in travel or event photography.

Storage media support overlaps - both using SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick Duo options - ensuring flexibility and availability for photographers globally.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or rugged protection, which limits their use in harsh conditions. The NEX-3’s metal alloy body, however, feels more robust than the WX30’s plastic shell, conferring higher confidence in careful use.

Neither claims shockproofing or freezeproofing - common omissions in their categories - thus users planning demanding outdoor work should invest in protective gear or consider sturdier alternatives.

Real-World Performance in Photography Genres

Below is a comparative look at how these cameras perform in specific photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

The NEX-3’s APS-C sensor facilitates excellent skin tone rendition, natural bokeh with compatible fast lenses, and improved eye detection autofocus support relative to the WX30’s fixed lens and small sensor, which produce flatter backgrounds and limited depth separation. The NEX-3 also enables manual focus adjustments for creative portraits.

Landscape Photography

The broader dynamic range and higher resolution on the NEX-3 render detailed landscapes with more tonal nuance, especially when shooting RAW files - a format unsupported by the WX30, which only produces JPEGs. The WX30’s lightweight body is tempting for travel landscapes but sacrifices image quality fidelity.

Wildlife and Sports

With a maximum burst rate of 7 fps and decent continuous autofocus, the NEX-3 is more adept at capturing wildlife and sports action than the WX30’s 10 fps but no continuous AF. Additionally, greater lens options for telephoto reach favor the NEX-3. The WX30’s fixed lens zoom is limited in reach and AF speed, reducing effectiveness for fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

While the WX30’s compactness and quick startup favor candid street shots, the NEX-3’s larger size and lack of built-in viewfinder diminish discretion. However, the NEX-3’s superior image quality and manual controls serve those prioritizing image outcome over portability.

Macro Photography

The WX30’s 5cm macro focusing distance and built-in stabilization aid casual close-ups, but the NEX-3 paired with dedicated macro lenses and manual focus yields superior detail and creative control.

Night and Astro Photography

Thanks to the NEX-3’s low-light ability, larger sensor, and manual exposure modes, it enables more effective night photography and starfield captures than the WX30, whose small sensor and limited ISO make dark scenes challenging.

Video Recording

See earlier section on video; WX30 suits casual Full HD videographers, while NEX-3 offers basic HD video with more photographic flexibility.

Travel Photography

The WX30’s diminutive size and weight support minimalistic travel, but image quality and creative control are constrained. The NEX-3 balances moderate weight with versatility, favoring enthusiasts wanting better travel images.

Professional Workflows

Only the NEX-3 supports RAW file capture and tethering via USB, integrating with professional editing pipelines, whereas the WX30’s all-internal processing and JPEG-only output restrict such use.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The NEX-3 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD card connectivity, enabling convenient image transfer - though lacking modern standards like Bluetooth or NFC. The WX30 offers no wireless connectivity but includes HDMI for external display - both devices reflecting the technology prevalent at their launch times.

Neither camera features GPS, microphone input, headphone jack, or sophisticated bracketing options, underscoring their entry-level / consumer focus.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

The WX30’s market price historically hovers around $259, reflecting its compact design and user-friendly features without high-end hardware. The NEX-3, while discontinued, may present varying prices on the used market but delivers far greater photographic capability per dollar, especially factoring in lens system investment as a growth path.

The higher initial investment for NEX-3 systems can be justified by advanced image quality and expandability, whereas the WX30 suits budget-conscious buyers prioritizing portability.

Visual Evidence: Comparative Image Quality and Performance Ratings

Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back Sony WX30 front Sony WX30 screen back

Photographers will notice the NEX-3’s superior sharpness, color accuracy, and dynamic range in side-by-side samples, whereas the WX30’s images commonly exhibit higher noise and less tonal depth.

Objective scoring emphasizes the NEX-3’s lead across sensor quality, autofocus, and exposure control.

Scores broken down by genre support recommendations tailored to portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video uses, reinforcing the distinct use cases.

Final Recommendations: Matching Your Photography Goals

Consider the Sony NEX-3 if:

• You are an aspiring or enthusiast-level photographer seeking a low-cost entry point into the mirrorless system with expandable lens options.
• You require higher image quality, better low-light performance, and manual control for portraits, landscapes, and creative work.
• You want access to RAW files for professional editing workflows.
• You are willing to manage a larger camera body and invest in lenses.

Consider the Sony WX30 if:

• Your priority is pocketable, lightweight photography with good HD video capability for casual shooting scenarios.
• You prefer a simple point-and-shoot experience without manual settings to fuss over.
• You intend to capture everyday moments with minimal equipment investment.
• You value built-in optical stabilization and full HD video at 60 fps.

Conclusion

The Sony NEX-3 and Sony WX30 illustrate two divergent philosophies in camera design: the former prioritizes image quality, manual flexibility, and growth potential, while the latter emphasizes portability and straightforward operation. Through rigorous hands-on testing and technical analysis, the NEX-3 emerges as a more capable tool for serious photography pursuits across multiple genres, albeit at the cost of bulk and complexity. The WX30 remains a commendable compact for casual users and vloggers needing full HD video and ease of use.

Your choice ultimately depends on balancing your photographic ambitions, budget constraints, and desire for portability. Neither camera is perfect for all scenarios, but understanding their nuanced trade-offs equips you to match the tool to your vision.

For further reading, consult our detailed test methodologies, lens compatibility charts, and workflow integration guides, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how these cameras fit within today’s photographic landscapes.