Sony Sony NEX-3N vs. Sony RX100: An Expert Head-to-Head Mirrorless vs. Compact Debate

Selecting a camera often boils down to striking the right balance between portability, image quality, and versatile usability. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two distinct but contemporaries from Sony: the entry-level mirrorless Sony Alpha NEX-3N and the large-sensor compact powerhouse, the Sony RX100. Both debuted around 2012–2013, targeting enthusiasts keen on stepping up their imaging game. Yet their design philosophies couldn’t be more different - the NEX-3N offers the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and a larger APS-C sensor, while the RX100 packs a 1-inch sensor into a pocketable fixed-lens camera.

After extensive hands-on testing across genres, tech specs analysis, and real-world shoots, this 2500-word review will guide you through their strengths, limitations, and suitability across varied photography disciplines. Buckle up as I bring my 15+ years of camera testing experience to bear to help you find out which Sony best fits your photographic style.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before even snapping a photo, how a camera feels in your hand lays the foundation for day-long shoots or spontaneous street captures.

Sony NEX-3N sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body with dimensions 110x62x35mm, weighing 269g. It impresses with a nicely engineered grip, sturdiness, and distinct control dials despite its entry-level tag.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 is designed to maximize portability - a true large sensor compact. With a chassis of 102x58x36mm and 240g weight, it easily slips into pockets without sacrificing rigidity.

Handling-wise, the NEX-3N feels like a mini DSLR alternative: button placement favors intuitive two-handed operation, and the tilting 3-inch LCD is a boon for creative angles. The RX100’s compactness means fewer direct tactile controls, but Sony's clever layout ensures a clean and quick menu dive.

Looking at the top view, we see contrasting philosophies: the NEX-3N’s dedicated mode dial and shutter button contrast with the RX100's streamlined design emphasizing compact convenience over manual dials.

Verdict: For those valuing a grip and physical controls, especially beginners upgrading from smartphones, NEX-3N feels more natural. The RX100 favors travelers and street photographers who prize stealth and quick one-hand operability.

Sensors and Image Quality: Battle of APS-C vs. 1-Inch

Image quality is king, and much of that comes down to sensor size and technology.

The NEX-3N features a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm, with an impressive sensor area of 366.6 mm². Meanwhile, the RX100 employs a 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm) with a smaller 116.16 mm² area but higher resolution.

Let's look at this next image for a clear size and specification comparison.

In practice, the larger APS-C sensor typically offers better control over depth of field, lower noise at high ISO, and improved dynamic range. The NEX-3N’s DxOMark scores reflect this, with an overall 74, 22.8 bits color depth, and 12.5 EV dynamic range. The RX100 scores a respectable 66 overall with 22.6 bits color depth and 12.4 EV DR, which is excellent for a compact.

Real-world tests show the NEX-3N produces more natural-looking skin tones and less noise beyond ISO 800, beneficial for portrait and event photography. The RX100, while noisier in very low light, still punches well above its weight.

Display and User Interface: How You See Your Shot Matters

Both cameras boast 3-inch LCDs but with key differences.

The NEX-3N’s 460k-dot tilting display allows shooting from low or high angles - great for creatives shooting macros, birds, or street life unnoticed.

The RX100 ups the ante with a 1,229k-dot fixed WhiteMagic TFT LCD for razor-sharp previewing under sunlight, albeit less flexible for varied shooting angles.

Neither camera offers electronic viewfinders (EVF), which might be a dealbreaker for bright daylight shooters or professionals wanting compositional precision.

Menus reflect entry-level to enthusiast gradations: the NEX-3N’s layout is straightforward but can feel dated, while the RX100 offers faster access to exposure bracketing, focus modes, and white balance thanks to a more refined control scheme.

Autofocus Performance: Precision Meets Speed

Autofocus is critical across genres; a lab-grade sensor alone can’t capture moments if focusing falters.

• Sony NEX-3N uses a 25-point contrast-detection AF system without phase detection or face/eye tracking, yielding a modest continuous shooting speed of 4 fps. Real-world, it’s reliable in ample light but struggles with moving subjects or dim conditions where hunting becomes apparent.

• Sony RX100 deploys a 25-point contrast-detection AF complemented by smart features like face detection and AF tracking. It reaches a much faster 10 fps burst and locks focus quicker on subjects, including continuous AF for moving targets.

The RX100’s superior AF makes it more adept at wildlife and sports photography, where decisive moments count.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Here the two cameras diverge dramatically.

The NEX-3N uses the Sony E-mount, compatible with a vast array of 121 lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. This flexibility empowers portrait shooters chasing creamy bokeh, landscape artists with ultra-wide glass, and macro enthusiasts selecting specialized optics.

The RX100, on the other hand, houses a fixed 28-100mm equivalent zoom lens with f/1.8-4.9 aperture. This range is remarkably usable in travel scenarios, street photography, and casual portraits. The fast f/1.8 at the wide end allows respectable background separation and decent low-light capture. Plus, optical image stabilization aids handheld shooting.

Choosing the mirrorless route means investing over time in lenses, while the RX100 offers one-stop convenience.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance: Capturing the Action

For sports, wildlife, and spontaneous moments, speed is vital.

• The RX100’s 10 fps burst rate coupled with quick AF tracking allows for better subject capture during fast action - an advantage in sports and wildlife shooting.

• The NEX-3N’s 4 fps continuous shooting setup is adequate for casual shooting but less competitive for dynamic subjects.

Shutter speed ceilings (NEX-3N max 1/4000s vs. RX100 max 1/2000s) may also determine your ability to shoot wide open in bright light.

Video Capabilities: Full HD but No 4K - What You Get

For casual video or vlogging, both cameras offer Full HD (1080p) video with common codecs (AVCHD, MPEG-4).

• The RX100 supports 1080/60p for smoother frame rates along with options down to 640x480. Optical stabilization is a big plus for shake-free handheld footage.

• The NEX-3N shoots 1080/24p and 30p but lacks built-in stabilization, meaning you’ll rely on stabilized lenses or tripods.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio capture. For casual use, both suffice well.

Battery Life and Storage Capacity

Still shooting? Battery endurance varies.

• The NEX-3N’s battery rates ~480 shots per charge (CIPA), a solid figure for mirrorless.

• The RX100’s smaller capacity allows about 330 shots, typical for compacts.

Both rely on proprietary battery packs (NP-FW50 for NEX-3N and NP-BX1 for RX100), and feature single slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features – A Partial Miss

Connectivity options are thin but telling.

• The NEX-3N lacks wireless features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, making image transfer or remote control reliant on physical cables.

• Conversely, the RX100 debuts Eye-Fi card compatibility and NFC, allowing easier wireless transfers to mobile devices without a separate app or cable.

These features tip convenience scales subtly but matter to social shooters.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized, critical for professionals shooting in adverse conditions.

Both sport durable polycarbonate and metal constructs, but I’d recommend protective measures for outdoor use, especially around dust or moisture.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Types

Let’s map which camera shines in each photography genre:

Portrait Photography

• Sony NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor gives it the edge for natural skin tones and pronounced background blur, important for subjects’ eye pop and creamy bokeh.
• Lack of face/eye AF is a downside but selective AF area helps compensate.
• Lens flexibility lets you bring in primes like the Sony 50mm f/1.8 for dreamy portraits.

Landscape Photography

• High detail from the NEX-3N’s 16MP full APS-C sensor intensifies landscape shots.
• Tilting screen helps crisp low-angle compositions.
• The RX100’s sharp 28mm equivalent at f/1.8 produces good wide scenes, but limited zoom and smaller sensor restrain dynamic range.
• Neither is weather-sealed, so caution outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• RX100’s higher burst speed and AF tracking make it surprisingly capable despite fixed lens - good for casual birders.
• NEX-3N needs telephoto glass and sacrifices speed and AF tracking accuracy.

Sports Photography

• RX100 dominates with faster AF + 10fps bursts.
• NEX-3N’s 4fps and contrast-only AF limit capturing decisive moments.

Street Photography

• RX100’s pocket portability and fast AF are winners.
• NEX-3N needs a bag; less discreet but better sensor performance.
• Both lack EVFs, which street pros miss for stabilizing shots in bright light.

Macro Photography

• NEX-3N’s lens options shine here with macro lenses and focus precision.
• RX100’s fixed lens does fairly close focusing (~5cm) but lacks true macro magnification.

Night and Astrophotography

• NEX-3N’s superior high ISO (native 200-16000 ISO) delivers less noise and wider dynamic range.
• RX100 pushes to ISO 25600 but noise is more pronounced.
• With a tripod, NEX-3N’s longer shutter speeds excel.

Video

• RX100’s optical stabilization and 1080/60p smoothness edges out NEX-3N’s less steady footage.
• Both lack external mic support, limiting audio quality prospects.

Travel Photography

• RX100’s pocketability and lens versatility suit travel.
• NEX-3N requires extra lens bulk but offers more creative latitude.

Professional Workflow

• NEX-3N supports RAW files with more color depth and dynamic range, enabling heavy post-editing.
• RX100’s small sensor RAW files are less forgiving.

Sample Gallery: Pictures Tell the Story

Here’s a side-by-side look at sample images from both cameras during hands-on tests across lighting conditions. Skin tones on the NEX-3N are taut and creamy, while the RX100’s images are crisp with punchy colors but noisier shadows.

Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Objective Performance Scores

Based on standard industry benchmarks and empirical testing, here are the cameras’ quantified scores broken down by core metrics:

The NEX-3N's higher overall score reflects its larger sensor and better image quality. The RX100 scores well for portability and burst speed.

Genre-Specific Strength Comparison

Plotting domain-specific performance visually helps pinpoint camera strengths:

This confirms our earlier narrative: RX100 leads in burst, AF tracking, and compact versatility; NEX-3N dominates image quality and adaptability via lenses.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should consider the Sony NEX-3N?

• Enthusiasts gravitating towards an affordable mirrorless with the future lens ecosystem.
• Portrait, landscape, macro shooters needing large sensor advantages.
• Users valuing manual control who won’t mind carrying extra glass.
• Those prioritizing image quality over speed and portability.

Who will prefer the Sony RX100?

• Travelers, street photographers wanting maximum portability.
• Sports and wildlife amateurs needing quick burst and fast AF.
• Videographers liking 60fps Full HD + stabilization.
• Casual shooters or vloggers seeking an all-in-one compact without lens swaps.

Budget and Value

At $399, the NEX-3N offers better sensor size and more creative options if you're ready to invest in lenses. The RX100 ups the price slightly ($448) but justifies it with zoom versatility and snappier operation.

Parting Lens: Which Dog Is the Better Boy?

In the eternal mirrorless versus large sensor compact duel, the Sony NEX-3N and RX100 each shine in their respective niches. The NEX-3N’s larger sensor and interchangeable lenses fuel higher image quality and flexibility, making it an excellent entry point into serious photography. Meanwhile, the RX100’s brilliant pocket-sized package combined with fast autofocus and good stabilization scratch very different itches - ideal for photographers who want quality images on the fly without bulk.

Both cameras hold up well despite their age, proving that even early 2010s designs birthed versatile tools that still resonate today. When I look at these two in my kit now, I see colleagues rather than rivals.

If forced to pick one dog as “best boy,” I’d say it depends heavily on your needs: crave creative control and image muscle? Get the NEX-3N. Want a sleek sidekick to capture life’s surprises at a moment’s notice? The RX100 is ready to go.

Happy shooting wherever your photographic journey takes you!