Sony NEX-3 vs Sony A37

Lets look a bit more closely at the Sony NEX-3 and Sony A37, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are created by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-3 (14MP) and the A37 (16MP) is pretty similar and they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The NEX-3 was introduced 23 months earlier than the A37 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the NEX-3 grades versus the A37 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-3 and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-3 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-3 has got physical measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs) whilst the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-3 and Sony A37 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-3 against the A37.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3 and A37 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over specifications. The photograph below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3 and A37.

To sum up, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Sony A37 to offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older NEX-3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.