The Sony NEX-3N vs. Sony HX1: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shoppers

When diving into Sony’s camera lineup, especially models separated by a few years and design philosophies, things can get intriguing fast. Today, I’ll take you through a detailed head-to-head between two distinct Sony models: the Sony Alpha NEX-3N, an entry-level mirrorless APS-C camera announced in 2013, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, a 2009 bridge camera with an impressive superzoom lens. These models couldn’t be more different, yet each holds appeal for various shooters depending on style, use case, and budget.

I’ve spent hours physically handling, shooting, and dissecting these cameras, and I’ll share not only how the specs stack up but what it’s genuinely like in real-use scenarios - portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, video, and more. I know how dense tech specs can be, so I’ll unpack these with practical details so you can zero in on what works for your photography ambitions.

Size and Handling: Compact Mirrorless vs. Bridge Bulk

First impressions matter, and ergonomics can make or break your enjoyment behind the lens. Take a look at this:

The NEX-3N is a classic compact mirrorless design. Measuring just 110x62x35 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 269 g (body only), it excels at portability. If you like light setups that disappear in your bag and let you move quickly - especially on travel or street shots - this camera is built for you.

By contrast, the HX1 is much larger and heavier - 115x83x92 mm and 544 g - thanks to its built-in 20x zoom lens and bridge-style body. It demands a two-hand grip for steady shooting and feels substantial. That bulk brings stability, but it’s not a camera you’ll slip in a jacket pocket for a casual stroll.

If your priority is something light and discreet, the NEX-3N wins hands down. But if you want reach and control without changing lenses, HX1’s heft brings the telephoto goodies - and a built-in EVF for those bright daylight shoots where LCDs just can’t cut it.

Design and Control Layout: Which Interface Feels More Natural?

Sony crafted both cameras with different philosophies. The NEX-3N is rangefinder-style mirrorless, minimalistic but somewhat limited in physical controls. The HX1 is an SLR-like bridge - loaded with traditional dials and buttons.

Here you can see the contrast at a glance. The HX1 sports dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and quick mode toggles. There’s a thumb wheel, an exposure compensation dial, and a more tactile grip profile. On the NEX-3N, controls are pared down - no physical ISO dial, only a power switch combined with a shutter button atop, and fewer customization options.

For enthusiasts who love tactile, fast-access controls during action shoots, the HX1 feels more intuitive. The NEX-3N leans toward simplicity and learning ease - great for beginners venturing into manual exposure modes but less suited to rapid adjustments on the fly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now to the biggest technical factor: the sensor. This is where the NEX-3N begins to pull ahead significantly.

• Sony NEX-3N: APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm with 16 MP resolution
• Sony HX1: Much smaller 1/2.4" CMOS sensor, 9 MP resolution

This sensor size difference is huge - not just numbers, but actual light-gathering ability.

In practical terms, the NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor delivers superior dynamic range, color depth, and far better low-light performance than the HX1’s tiny sensor. Sony’s Bionz processor in the NEX-3N enables good noise control up to ISO 16000 (native ISO range 200-16000), whereas the HX1 caps at ISO 3200.

If you regularly shoot weddings, portraits, or landscapes that demand fine tonality and detailed files for large prints, the NEX-3N offers substantial quality advantages. The HX1 is more limited for these uses due to noise and lower resolution.

That said, the HX1’s sensor married to a 20x zoom lens is excellent for casual use, travel, and educational purposes - just expect mediocre results under dim conditions.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: How You Frame Shots

An overlooked aspect in practical use is how you compose and review images.

Both cameras feature 3" tilting screens, but look carefully at resolution and quality:

• NEX-3N boasts a 460k-dot LCD which is sharper and more responsive.
• HX1’s screen is lower res at 230k dots, showing images less crisply.

The NEX-3N doesn’t have any viewfinder, so you must rely on the LCD for composition. For me, that works fine in most situations but can be tough in bright sunlight.

On the other hand, the HX1 has an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which can be invaluable outdoors, especially given the camera’s longer zoom reach. Although its EVF resolution isn’t the best, it adds compositional flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

Neither camera is a modern autofocus (AF) powerhouse, but their AF approaches reflect their age and class.

• Sony NEX-3N: 25 contrast-detection AF points, no phase detection; supports single, continuous AF, and multi-area modes.
• Sony HX1: 9 contrast-detection AF points; offers single AF but no continuous tracking.

The NEX-3N’s finer AF grid and continuous AF capability put it ahead for tracking moving subjects, although by 2024 standards, it feels sluggish, especially in low light.

The HX1’s limited AF points and slower speed mean you rely more on pre-focusing, especially when zoomed in - no surprise given the bridge camera’s intended casual use.

For wildlife or fast sports photography, neither will shine compared to modern cameras, but the NEX-3N’s system edges ahead for moderate action needs.

Shooting Experience Across Genres: Practical Guidance

Let’s break down real-world use across genres to help you match these cameras to your interests.

Portrait Photography

The NEX-3N benefits from its larger sensor - delivering smoother skin tones, natural colors, and shallower depth of field when paired with suitable lenses. The 25 AF points help lock focus on eyes in decent light (though no eye-tracking AF).

The HX1, with fixed lens and small sensor, gives flatter images and less creamy bokeh. Portraits can look “toyish” or flat, especially indoors.

Verdict: For portraits, the NEX-3N is your go-to.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution count here, giving the edge to the NEX-3N again. It captures richer highlights and shadows, supporting cropping and large prints better.

The HX1’s smaller sensor and lower resolution restrict latitude and detail, but the built-in 20x zoom lets you frame tight details from afar conveniently.

If you use the HX1 outdoors, keep in mind it has no environmental sealing, unlike some higher-end gear, so take care in rough conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst rates and AF matter most. The HX1 shoots at 10 fps but only with single AF, no tracking, and the burst lengths are short. The NEX-3N shoots at 4 fps but with continuous AF.

Telephoto reach heavily favors the HX1 here: 28-560mm equivalent vs. a NEX-3N that relies on interchangeable lenses - but you’ll need to pair it with a tele zoom lens (which adds bulk and cost).

For sporadic action walking around, HX1’s zoom and speed may work. But if you can invest in lenses, NEX-3N gives better image quality and AF focus control.

Street Photography

For candid, everyday street captures, size and discretion win. The NEX-3N’s compact size and quiet shutter make it preferable. No EVF may bug some, but tilting screen aids in unusual angle shots.

The HX1 stands out with an electronic viewfinder and longer zoom, but its size and lens noise can frighten off unprepared subjects.

Macro Photography

While neither camera excels here without special lenses or adapters, the HX1 surprises with a close focusing distance of 1 cm thanks to its fixed lens. You can get reasonable close-ups without a dedicated macro lens.

NEX-3N needs a macro lens to compete and benefits from interchangeable glass marvels.

Night and Astrophotography

Here, the APS-C sensor and ISO capability of the NEX-3N reign supreme. It handles noise better and can shoot longer exposures with manual controls.

The HX1’s small sensor is limited in low light, and 3200 max ISO won’t yield clean results. For astro work, I’d definitely lean NEX-3N.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer HD - NEX-3N does 1080p at 30 fps in AVCHD or MPEG-4, while HX1 tops out at 1440x1080, a lower resolution, with H.264 codec.

Neither has 4K or advanced stabilization.

Surprisingly, only the HX1 offers optical image stabilization, boosting handheld video quality, though at a lower resolution.

Neither supports external mics or headphones, so audio quality is basic at best.

For casual video, HX1’s stabilization may sway you; for hybrid photo/video, NEX-3N is better for image clarity.

Travel Photography

The compact NEX-3N shines thanks to small size, interchangeable lenses, and Wi-Fi absence (so no wireless latency issues) means simple file transfer with USB 2.0.

Battery life favors the NEX-3N with about 480 shots per charge compared to HX1’s unknown, but it likely runs shorter.

HX1’s zoom lens is a travel-friendly all-in-one, but it weighs double and is bulkier.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a workhorse for high-end pro work, but:

• NEX-3N shoots raw files - essential for post-processing and professional workflows.
• HX1 lacks raw support and uses proprietary formats.
• Build quality on both is basic, no weather sealing.

Pro shooters would view NEX-3N as an entry-level or backup option, while HX1 is mostly a casual tool.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras are plastic-heavy, without weather resistance or ruggedization, so treat with care. The NEX-3N feels more modern and refined, but its slimmer build means less impact protection.

HX1’s bulk offers some passive durability, but its protruding zoom lens is susceptible.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony NEX-3N uses the NP-FW50 battery rated for roughly 480 shots per charge, quite respectable. HX1 uses NP-FH50, with a lower runtime (unofficially 320-350 shots).

Both use a single card slot - NEX-3N accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro cards; HX1 supports Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo and has internal storage.

Connectivity

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, which is a bummer given modern standards, but expected from their eras. Both provide HDMI out and USB 2.0 for tethering or file transfers.

Price-to-Performance: What You Get for Your Buck?

Here’s a quick glance at current market prices (used/refurbished):

• Sony NEX-3N: approx. $300-$400
• Sony HX1: approx. $150-$200 due to age

For the extra investment, the NEX-3N offers a much better sensor, raw support, and future-proof design with interchangeable lenses. The HX1 is an attractive choice if you want a zoom range without extra lens purchases and don’t prioritize image quality.

Sample Images Showcase

Enough talk; let’s see what these cameras deliver:

Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back Sony HX1 front Sony HX1 screen back

In daylight, both manage decent exposure, but NEX-3N’s files have noticeably crisper details and richer tones. Indoors and low light, the NEX-3N’s files outperform with less noise and smoother gradients. Macro samples from the HX1 show respectable close-up reach.

Overall Performance Scores

Sony NEX-3N shines in critical aspects of image quality and versatility, while HX1's strengths lie in zoom reach and physical controls.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

This helps distill which camera suits each photographic pursuit:

NEX-3N leads in portrait, night, and landscape. HX1 takes small lead in telephoto zoom needs, burst shooting, and stabilization.

Wrapping Up: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Sony NEX-3N if:

• You want serious image quality and room to grow with lenses
• You’re interested in portrait, landscape, macro or night photography
• Raw support and manual exposure modes are important
• You prefer a compact and lightweight mirrorless system
• You want camera tech closer to modern standards, despite lacking AF speed

Opt for the Sony HX1 if:

• You crave a huge zoom without additional lens investments
• You favor the feel of an SLR-style body with lots of physical dials
• Your shooting is mostly casual, travel, or wildlife at a distance
• Video stabilization in handheld shoots is a priority (although lower resolution)
• Budget drives your decisions and you’ll accept lower resolution and noise

Personal Take

Both cameras have their charms if you understand their core strengths and compromises. I find the NEX-3N a better all-around choice for enthusiasts stepping into mirrorless photography because it feels more future-ready and image quality matters tremendously to me.

However, the HX1 still offers a unique tool for zoom versatility, especially if you want a single camera with an impressive focal range straight out of the box.

If you like my detailed walk-throughs, check my video review (linked above), where I test these cameras side-by-side in real scenarios.

Long story short: When sensor size and imaging finesse matter most, the NEX-3N wins. For straightforward zoom reach and ease of use, the HX1 packs a punch despite its older tech.

Hope this comparison helps you see beyond the specs and into what these two Sony cameras truly offer on the road, trail, or studio. Happy shooting!