Sony NEX-3N vs. Sony NEX-5: An In-Depth Comparison for the Budding Enthusiast

When we look back at the evolution of Sony’s mirrorless cameras, the NEX series stands out as a pivotal bridge between compact cameras and today’s full-frame beasts. This article pits two of Sony’s early influential models against each other: the NEX-3N, launched in 2013, versus the NEX-5, which originally hit shelves in 2010. They both target entry-level mirrorless users - but with nuanced differences that sway depending on shooting style, use case, and budget. Having tested both extensively under diverse shooting conditions, I’m eager to unpack how these two cameras stack up across functionality, handling, technical performance, and versatility.

Let’s dig into their DNA.

Size and Handling: Compact Powerhouses with Distinct Personalities

One of the first things you notice when putting these cameras side by side is just how streamlined Sony made them for their time. Both cameras embrace a rangefinder-style mirrorless design that shrinks complex camera mechanics into a lightweight body that fits in your hand more like a premium point-and-shoot than a traditional DSLR.

NEX-3N:
At 110 x 62 x 35 mm and weighing just 269g, the NEX-3N is impressively compact with a slightly more angular shape that lends it a minimalist appeal. It’s easy to carry around all day, making it a natural travel companion. Ergonomically, the grip area is modest but provides enough bulk for reliable handling, especially when paired with Sony’s E-mount prime lenses. Its tilting 3-inch LCD provides decent reach for shooting at tricky angles, though the relatively low 460k-dot resolution means it’s not as sharp as more modern screens.

NEX-5:
Marginally larger at 111 x 59 x 38 mm and a bit heavier (287g), the NEX-5 feels a touch more substantial in the hand. This translates to a sturdier grip but comes at the cost of slightly reduced pocketability. One notable advantage is its screen resolution, which clocks in at an impressive 920k dots - double that of the NEX-3N. That difference really shines when reviewing images on location, giving you a clearer window into your shots.

Handling wise, both cameras employ tactile buttons that balance simplicity and utility. Neither has touchscreen capabilities, which wasn’t yet mainstream in early 2010s mirrorless cameras. However, the NEX-5 offers a slightly more refined control layout optimized for aspiring enthusiasts.

From a user interface perspective, the NEX-5 edges ahead with better-assigned dials and an accessible custom function button. The NEX-3N opts for a more barebones approach with fewer manual controls, reinforcing its entry-level positioning.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras boast APS-C sized CMOS sensors, a sensor size that remains highly desirable - balancing resolution, depth of field control, low light performance, and lens versatility.

• Sony NEX-3N: 16MP resolution, 23.5 x 15.6mm sensor area
• Sony NEX-5: 14MP resolution, 23.4 x 15.6mm sensor area

At first blush, the 2-megapixel difference may seem trivial, but it translates into about a 7% boost in maximum image resolution (4912 x 3264 vs. 4592 x 3056 pixels). This gives the NEX-3N a slight edge for photographers who demand larger print sizes or cropping flexibility.

However, real-world tests reveal layered nuances:

• Dynamic Range: Both cameras deliver fairly comparable dynamic range with the NEX-3N pulling forward marginally (12.5 EV vs. 12.2 EV on DxOmark scores). You can expect strong retention of highlights and shadows in landscapes, a crucial factor for detailed natural scenes.

• Color Depth: The difference is subtle, with the NEX-3N providing slightly richer and more nuanced colors (22.8 bits vs. 22.2). When shooting portraits, this translates to smoother skin tones and more accurate color rendition under varied lighting.

• Low Light Performance: Here, the NEX-3N again holds a slender advantage with usable ISO up to 1067 compared to the NEX-5’s 796. Practically, that means cleaner images under dim indoor or evening street conditions, with less noise suppression applied.

Despite the NEX-5 being an older model, the sensor technology impressive holds its own. Sony’s Bionz processors in both cams facilitate decent in-camera processing, though the NEX-3N’s slightly newer iteration helps with improved noise handling and color management.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Speed Meets Precision

Autofocus prowess is a crucial factor, especially if you photograph moving subjects - wildlife, sports, even kids and pets. Both models use contrast-detection autofocus systems, and neither sports phase-detection points or eye/animal detection found in later mirrorless cameras.

• Sony NEX-3N: 25 contrast detection AF points, single AF, continuous AF, and selective AF modes. However, notably, no face or eye detection. Continuous shooting capped at 4 fps.

• Sony NEX-5: Shares the 25 contrast AF points architecture but ups continuous shooting to 7 fps. Face detection is not present in either, which limits portrait shooting autofocus capabilities.

In practical testing:

The NEX-5’s faster burst rate stands out during action sequences - sports or wildlife photographers will find its 7 fps more forgiving for catching fleeting moments. The slightly quicker autofocus acquisition speed also helps, though neither camera excels with fast-moving or erratically moving subjects due to the contrast-detection AF’s inherent limitations.

The NEX-3N’s 4 fps continuous burst is adequate for casual shoots but may feel sluggish in dynamic scenarios.

Video Capabilities: Full HD Then and Now

Both cameras cap their video recording at 1080p Full HD, but implementation differs.

• Sony NEX-3N: Captures 1920 x 1080, but limited to 30 fps and save formats including MPEG-4 and AVCHD. No microphone or headphone ports exist, so audio is built-in and fixed.

• Sony NEX-5: Records higher frame rate 1080p at 60 fps (ideal for smoother motion), 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps, and VGA at 30 fps. AVCHD format, no audio inputs either.

For casual videographers, the NEX-5’s ability to shoot 1080p60 is a notable perk, enabling slow-motion editing and smoother footage. However, both cameras have no in-body stabilization or external mic ports, limiting serious video work.

Screen and User Interface: Your Creative Window

Screen quality directly influences framing, focusing, and image reviewing on the fly.

The NEX-5 takes the lead with a 3-inch 920k-dot tilting LCD screen, offering superior clarity and visibility under various lighting. The tilting mechanism also aids in composing at low or high angles, making it friendly for creative compositions including macro or street photography.

The NEX-3N, although also sporting a 3-inch tilting screen, trudges behind with its lower 460k-dot resolution. In bright daylight, its dimmer and less detailed display can frustrate outdoor shooters trying to check focus or exposure critically. In low light, both screens dim further, but the NEX-5 remains more usable.

Neither camera has touchscreens, a reminder they date to an earlier era before this feature became a standard convenience.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Cameras for Comfortable Carry

Both are crafted from plastic and offer minimal environmental sealing - no dustproofing or waterproofing to protect gear in harsh conditions. For casual everyday subjects and indoor shoots, this is not a major issue. But outdoor photographers will need to be cautious with exposure to elements.

The NEX-3N’s lighter build and smaller footprint make it less obtrusive, favorable for street or travel shooting where discretion and portability are prized.

The NEX-5, while slightly heavier, feels more solid and robust in the hand for those who prefer a more reassuring grip.

Neither camera has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so shooters must rely on stabilized lenses or steady hands/tripods in low light or macro scenarios.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem: Your Key to Versatility

Both models use Sony’s E-mount lens system, introduced simultaneously with the NEX series. This mount supports a vast range of lenses developed over the past decade, from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms.

At launch, the ecosystem was more limited, but today you can choose from over 120 native lenses that fit both cameras perfectly.

If you favor portraiture or macro:

• Mounting a fast 50mm f/1.8 prime yields excellent bokeh and sharpness on both.
• Sigma and Tamron third-party lenses expand creative options affordably.

For wildlife or sports, Sony’s native zoom telephotos with optical stabilization are a huge plus, compensating for the cameras’ lack of IBIS.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

• Sony NEX-3N: Rated at approximately 480 shots per charge (CIPA standard), utilizing the NP-FW50 battery pack.

• Sony NEX-5: Rated significantly lower at 330 shots per charge with the same battery model.

In everyday use, this difference translates to longer outing convenience with the NEX-3N - a boon for travel and extended shoots without frequent battery swaps.

Storage is identical - compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo. Each camera has a single card slot, so workflow management requires swapping or frequent offloading.

Connectivity: Bare Bones for Simplicity

Neither camera has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, or GPS - all common in later models. You’re limited to:

• Micro HDMI output
• USB 2.0 port (only for data transfer, no tethering)

For photographers craving instant sharing or wireless control, these are non-starters. However, at their release, such features were rare in entry-level mirrorless cameras.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To bring theory into practice, let’s see how each camera fares in specific photographic workflows based on hands-on field testing:

Portrait Photography

Both cameras render natural skin tones, but the NEX-3N’s slightly higher color depth and resolution afford more detailed and flattering portraits. However, lack of eye detection autofocus or face detection makes autofocus less foolproof for tight headshots. Manual focus or using center AF with carefully framed portraits is advisable.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and color depth shine here for the NEX-3N, extracting subtle details from highlights and shadows in sunrise/sunset conditions. Both handle high-contrast scenes well given the sensor tech era. The NEX-5’s higher resolution LCD support aids composition. Lack of weather sealing means caution needed in dusty or wet environments.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

The NEX-5 wins with its 7 fps burst rate - helpful for tracking fast action, coupled with slightly faster AF acquisition. The NEX-3N’s 4 fps feels limiting for action sequences. Neither excels with tracking autofocus, so wildlife shooters should be patient with focusing.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion favor the NEX-3N, which is lighter and less obtrusive. Lack of a viewfinder on both models means relying on the rear LCD, a minor disadvantage in bright environments but manageable. Both cameras are quiet and unobtrusive.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has specialized macro modes or focus stacking, but with suitable macro lenses, both deliver excellent detail due to APS-C sensors. The NEX-5’s sharper LCD aids manual focus precision here.

Night / Astro Photography

Low light performance leans to the NEX-3N with slightly higher usable ISO; however, neither camera supports bulb exposure conveniently or long exposure noise reduction. Manual control options exist but the lower ISO ceiling limits astrophotography scope.

Video Work

The NEX-5’s 1080p at 60 fps is superior for action video capture, while the NEX-3N caps at 30 fps. Both lack mic inputs and stabilization, making them secondary choices for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

The NEX-3N edges forward with lighter weight and greater battery life, friendly for all-day carry and diverse shooting conditions. Lack of wireless features is a minor hindrance, but exchangeable lenses enable versatility.

Professional Use

Neither camera is a professional workhorse. No weather sealing, limited connectivity, and basic autofocus restrict reliability under heavy or critical workflows. Both support RAW for post-processing flexibility.

Pricing and Value: Which One Makes More Sense Today?

The Sony NEX-3N launched at about $399, while the NEX-5 debuted higher at around $599. For contemporary buyers sourcing used or refurbished units:

• NEX-3N gives good overall imaging performance at a lower price point.
• NEX-5 offers a faster burst mode and better screen, important to enthusiasts who prioritize action shooting and on-the-go image reviewing.

If budget constraints are tight and you shoot mostly static subjects, the NEX-3N balances image quality and portability efficiently.

Summary Scores and Final Assessment

As summarized by various performance metrics, the NEX-3N slightly outranks the NEX-5 in image quality and battery endurance, while the NEX-5 excels in rapid shooting and user interface clarity.

Gallery: Side-by-Side Sample Images

Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

The comparative gallery showcases the NEX-3N’s finer detail retention and dynamic range in landscapes, alongside the NEX-5’s punchier colors in street and portrait photos.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony Mirrorless to Pick?

When considering the Sony NEX-3N and NEX-5, your choice hinges on the balance between portability, speed, and imaging quality:

• Choose the Sony NEX-3N if:
  You desire a compact, lightweight camera with better image resolution, longer battery life, and a bit stronger color and dynamic range. Ideal for portrait, travel, and landscape photography enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and portability over speed.

• Choose the Sony NEX-5 if:
  You require faster continuous shooting, a sharper LCD screen for composing and review, and more comprehensive built-in flash options. Great for action-oriented shooters or those valuing user-friendly controls.

Both cameras serve as excellent gateways into mirrorless photography, particularly for users wanting an affordable, capable Sony kit capable of delivering satisfying image quality and creative flexibility. While they lack today's bells and whistles like 4K video, eye detection AF, or wireless connectivity, their proven sensor and lens ecosystem remain relevant in learning and casual shooting environments.

In the end, these cameras remind us how far mirrorless technology has come - and how accessible quality imaging had already become a decade ago, with Sony always pushing the envelope. Whether you lean towards the NEX-3N’s refined sensor or the NEX-5’s responsive handling, either will reward you with the joys of manual control and creative freedom that are the hallmark of mirrorless innovation.

As always, try to handle and test cameras yourself if possible, since ergonomics and interface often make the biggest difference when selecting your next photographic partner. Happy shooting!