Sony NEX-3N vs Sony HX5

The following is a complete review of the Sony NEX-3N versus Sony HX5, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the NEX-3N (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the NEX-3N (APS-C) and HX5 (1/2.4") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3N was announced 2 years after the HX5 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short summary of how the NEX-3N grades against the HX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3N Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-3N features physical measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Sony NEX-3N versus Sony HX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the NEX-3N and the HX5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3N and HX5 is 89 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The image underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-3N and HX5.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-3N with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Sony NEX-3N will offer you more detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The fresher NEX-3N should have an edge in sensor tech.