Sony NEX-3N vs Sony S980

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Sony NEX-3N versus Sony S980, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the NEX-3N (16MP) and S980 (12MP) and the NEX-3N (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-3N was revealed 4 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the NEX-3N grades versus the S980 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-3N and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-3N Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around 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) whilst the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Sony NEX-3N versus Sony S980 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the NEX-3N vs the S980.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-3N and S980 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the NEX-3N and S980.

As you can see, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3N with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will show greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The younger NEX-3N is going to have an edge in sensor tech.