Sony NEX-3 vs Sony A35: A Rigorous Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When evaluating cameras that cater to entry-level photography enthusiasts - especially those weighing mirrorless versus DSLR-type architectures - the Sony NEX-3 and Sony A35 emerge as compelling options from the early 2010s. Both models chart distinct developmental paths within Sony’s evolving imaging lineup, representing mirrorless innovation and translucent mirror DSLR technology, respectively.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and years of comparative analysis, this article offers a thorough exploration of these cameras across photographic disciplines, technical underpinnings, and real-world usage. Our goal: to empower photographers with nuanced understanding beyond mere specs, illuminating each camera’s practical strengths and limitations to inform your next camera purchase.

Initial Impressions and Physical Handling

At first glance, the Sony NEX-3 is striking for its notably compact and lightweight design, reflecting the advantages of a mirrorless form factor. Measuring 117x62x33 mm and weighing 297 grams with battery, it’s one of the more pocketable APS-C sensor cameras of its era. The minimalistic rangefinder-style body allows quick one-handed operation but noticeably lacks an integrated viewfinder.

In contrast, the Sony A35 embraces a compact DSLR approach, with a more substantial grip and pentaprism-style hump. The dimensions (124x92x85 mm) and weight (415 grams) suggest a camera designed with traditional handling ergonomics in mind. The larger frame accommodates an electronic viewfinder and built-in stabilization system, adding complexity and bulk.

Ergonomically, the A35’s heft translates to improved balance when paired with heavier lenses and greater physical control. Conversely, the NEX-3 excels in portability and urban discretion, suitable for street or travel photographers valuing light packs.

Control Layout and User Interface

Sony’s entry-level rangefinder-styled mirrorless design on the NEX-3 relies heavily on a minimal button count and dial system. Its top controls provide shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, but lack customizable buttons or dedicated AF point selectors. The lack of an electronic viewfinder constrains composition primarily to the rear display, limiting tactile feedback during framing.

The A35, benefitting from its DSLR heritage, offers a more extensive array of physical controls, including a top-panel LCD for quick readouts, and deeper integration of mode and autofocus selectors. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) registers at 1150k dots, providing 100% coverage and approximately 0.73x magnification, a key functional advantage for outdoor and action shooting under bright conditions.

This disparity in control complexity impacts operational speed and intuitive use. Photographers accustomed to DSLR layouts may find the A35 more navigable for fast adjustments, while the NEX-3’s simplicity offers an approachable but limited interface that may frustrate advanced users who desire direct access to AF modes or customizable functions.

Sensor Characteristics and Image Quality Metrics

Both cameras employ APS-C sized CMOS sensors with close dimensional parity (NEX-3: 23.4x15.6 mm; A35: 23.5x15.6 mm), but they differ in resolution and sensor architecture maturity.

• Sony NEX-3: 14 MP resolution, with a native ISO range of 200–12,800. The sensor incorporates an anti-aliasing filter, influencing sharpness and moiré suppression. DxOMark rates its overall image quality score at 68, with a color depth of 22.1 bits, dynamic range around 12 EV, and usable low-light ISO of 830.

• Sony A35: Improved 16 MP resolution extends image detail capacity. Notably, it uses a newer sensor with better noise control and slightly better dynamic range (12.7 EV) and color fidelity (23.3 bits). The maximum native ISO expands to 25,600, permitting more flexible high-ISO shooting albeit with caution necessary for noise management. DxOMark scores the A35 overall at 74.

In practical shooting, the A35’s sensor yields richer gradations and superior shadow and highlight retention - critical for landscape photographers demanding high dynamic range. Meanwhile, the NEX-3’s sensor remains respectable for daily photography but falls short where fine detail and tonality precision are imperative.

Display Systems and Framing Tools

The NEX-3 employs a 3-inch tilting TFT “Xtra Fine” LCD with approximately 920k dots. Its tilt mechanism facilitates creative shooting angles, though the absence of touchscreen capability limits direct menu navigation and focus point selection. Without an EVF, reliance on the LCD for composition under bright daylight or action situations can be challenging.

The A35 sacrifices tilt articulation for a fixed 3-inch LCD similar in resolution (921k), but critically supplements it with a high-quality electronic viewfinder. The EVF provides critical real-time exposure and focus information in a stable framing environment, enhancing accuracy in unpredictable lighting and fast-action scenarios.

For portrait and wildlife photographers, where precise critical focus and exposure assessment matter, the A35’s EVF is a decisive advantage. Conversely, the NEX-3 suits casual shooting or travel contexts where low-profile design and screen flexibility are preferred.

Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back

Real-World Imaging: Portraits, Landscapes, and Beyond

Portrait Photography

Portraiture benefits heavily from sensor resolution, autofocus precision, and bokeh quality. The NEX-3’s contrast-detection AF system with 25 points struggles with quick subject acquisition and lacks continuous tracking. Furthermore, absence of eye or animal eye AF reduces effectiveness for portrait shooters requiring nuanced focus on eyes.

The A35’s hybrid phase-detection and contrast AF approach, though limited to 15 points with 3 cross-type, significantly enhances autofocus speed and accuracy, particularly beneficial for headshots and event photography. The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) helps retain sharpness at moderate apertures and slower shutter speeds.

Both cameras yield respectable skin tone rendition within the Sony color science lineage; however, the A35’s higher resolution sensor and improved color depth provide a subtle but appreciable boost in tonal smoothness and fine detail.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers prioritize dynamic range, resolution, and weather resilience. Neither camera offers environmental sealing, limiting rugged outdoor use without protective housing.

The A35’s marginally superior dynamic range mitigates shadow clipping in high contrast scenes, a common challenge in varied lighting. Its higher resolution allows modestly larger print sizes or more aggressive cropping flexibility.

The NEX-3 is competent at landscape scales but may reveal noise earlier in shadows at base ISO, with lower maximum resolution.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, autofocus responsiveness, burst rate, and tracking capabilities often separate contenders.

The NEX-3’s 7 fps burst is brisk but hampered by contrast-based AF without continuous tracking. This results in inconsistent sharpness on moving subjects, rendering it suboptimal for dynamic wildlife or sport applications.

The A35 shoots at a slightly slower 6 fps but leverages phase detection AF for faster acquisition and lock-on. Though continuous tracking is absent, the improved AF responsiveness supports more effective subject capture during action sequences.

Sport photographers will find the A35's integrated stabilization and superior autofocus performance more aligned with demanding shooting needs.

Autofocus System Dissection

The NEX-3’s autofocus is purely contrast detection-based across its 25 points - good for static or controlled environments but limited in speed and continuous tracking. The absence of dedicated center-point sensor cross types and zero phase-detection AF confine its utility.

The A35 integrates a translucent mirror with a hybrid contrast plus phase-detect system, employing 15 focus points with 3 cross-type sensors. This configuration offers enhanced subject acquisition speed and more reliable tracking, critical for event, wildlife, and sports photographers.

Despite the A35's innovation, the total number of AF points is modest by modern standards. Reliance on manual fine tuning remains necessary in challenging focus scenarios, but overall, the A35 represents a considerable step forward over the NEX-3’s AF.

Genre-Specific Performance Overview

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The NEX-3 utilizes the Sony E-mount introduced concurrent with the camera, initially offering 121 lenses ranging from compact primes to zooms, including third-party options. The E-mount’s short flange distance enables compact lens designs, enhancing the NEX-3’s portability advantage.

The A35, based on the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, is compatible with a broader range of traditional DSLR lenses - over 143 in number - including legacy Minolta optics. This large ecosystem grants greater versatility, especially in specialized lenses for macro, telephoto, or specialty optics, albeit with generally larger form factors.

Users prioritizing lightweight system design may prefer the E-mount ecosystem; those needing lens variety or cost-effective vintage glass options may lean toward the A35’s mount.

Build Quality, Environmental Resistance, and Durability

Neither model offers weather sealing or ruggedization which restricts use in challenging weather or high-impact environments. Both feature plastic-based construction typical of entry-level cameras but benefit from good fit and finish.

The A35’s larger size and weight correspond with more robust construction and better physical control, improving confidence during extended handheld use or when mounting heavier lenses.

The NEX-3’s lightweight body trades off some durability for convenience and requires gentle handling.

Battery Performance and Storage

The A35 outperforms the NEX-3 in battery endurance, rated for approximately 440 shots per charge versus 330 shots. Both employ Sony’s NP-FW50 battery standard, allowing interchangeable spare stocks.

Both include a single memory card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, ensuring wide compatibility.

The A35’s longer operational lifespan per charge favors professional and event photographers who cannot frequently swap batteries mid-shoot.

Connectivity, Video, and Multimedia Considerations

The NEX-3 features rudimentary wireless capabilities limited to Eye-Fi SD card support for photo transfer but no Bluetooth or NFC. Video capability is modest, maxing out at 720p30 in MPEG-4 format without microphone input or headphone monitoring.

In contrast, the A35 advances with Full HD 1080p video recording at up to 60 fps, supporting AVCHD and H.264 codecs for higher-quality footage. It also provides a microphone port, enabling external audio recording - a necessity for serious video production.

Neither includes modern wireless protocols such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which reflects their generation but impacts ease of file sharing.

Practical Usability and Workflow Integration

Workflow compatibility factors such as raw image support, file management, and tethering potential influence professional use.

Both cameras support raw capture, crucial for post-processing latitude, though the A35’s higher native resolution yields more flexible editing margins.

Tethering options are limited to USB 2.0 and HDMI output; neither camera offers real-time wireless control or smartphone app integration.

The A35’s inclusion of an EVF and in-body stabilization facilitates a more streamlined capturing experience under varied professional scenarios. The NEX-3 appeals to enthusiasts transitioning from point-and-shoots or smartphones due to simplicity and size but demands adaptation for workflow rigors.

Value Assessment and Price Consideration

As of current availability, the Sony NEX-3 generally retails near zero or nominal pricing on used markets, given its age and entry-level positioning.

The Sony A35, while also discontinued, commands a higher price point (approximately $600 historically) reflecting its advanced featureset, including higher resolution sensor, improved AF system, stabilization, and full HD video.

From a price-to-performance viewpoint, the A35 offers more balanced capabilities for its segment and era, making it a more sensible investment for users seeking longevity and versatility.

Who Should Choose Which: User-Based Recommendations

Choose Sony NEX-3 If You:

• Prioritize lightweight, compact form factor for street, travel, or casual shooting
• Are transitioning from simpler compacts or smartphone photography
• Do not require viewfinder framing or advanced video capabilities
• Prefer a simple interface with minimal control complexity
• Have a budget constraint that favors affordable mirrorless systems
• Primarily shoot static and well-lit subjects where AF speed is less critical

Choose Sony A35 If You:

• Demand better autofocus performance for fast action, wildlife, or sports
• Require in-body image stabilization to aid handheld shooting in varied conditions
• Value an electronic viewfinder for precise framing and exposure monitoring
• Seek higher resolution sensor with superior dynamic range and noise performance
• Need more versatile video functionality including HD 1080p at 60 fps and external audio input
• Are interested in lens variety from the Sony/Minolta Alpha DSLR ecosystem
• Can tolerate a larger and heavier camera body for enhanced ergonomics

Final Summary

The Sony NEX-3 and Sony A35 represent two divergent but contemporaneous solutions to the challenges of entry-level interchangeable lens cameras. The NEX-3 offers a glimpse into the advantages of compact mirrorless design - portability, simpler handling, and tilting display - but its technological limitations in autofocus precision, sensor performance, and video constrain serious photographic ambitions.

The Sony A35’s hybrid translucent mirror system reflects a leap toward bridging DSLR robustness with electronic viewfinder technology and in-body stabilization. Despite a slightly larger footprint, its expanded sensor capabilities, richer controls, and better multimedia support present a more complete tool for enthusiasts advancing toward professional-grade work.

Prospective buyers should align their choice with shooting preferences, balancing the NEX-3’s travel-friendly traits against the A35’s more comprehensive photographic toolkit.

This detailed evaluation offers thorough, experience-based insights to help photographers make an informed decision aligned with their shooting style, prioritizing real-world usability rather than superficial specification lists. For those valuing portability and straightforward controls, the Sony NEX-3 remains a viable first step into mirrorless. Meanwhile, the A35 serves better as a foundational DSLR-like hybrid for more demanding photographic endeavors.

Illustrations Used in This Article:

• Size and ergonomics:
• Control layouts:
• Sensor image quality:
• Rear screen comparison:
• Sample image gallery:
  Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back
• Overall performance ratings:
• Genre-specific performance evaluations: