Sony NEX-3N vs Sony WX5

Here is a complete analysis of the Sony NEX-3N and Sony WX5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the NEX-3N (16MP) and WX5 (12MP) and the NEX-3N (APS-C) and WX5 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-3N was unveiled 2 years later than the WX5 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony WX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the NEX-3N matches up versus the WX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-3N & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5. The full galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-3N Gallery & Sony WX5 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-3N features outside 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 WX5 has dimensions of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") with a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-3N and Sony WX5 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the NEX-3N vs the WX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-3N and WX5 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The graphic here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-3N and WX5.

All in all, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The NEX-3N using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony NEX-3N will offer greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The fresher NEX-3N should have an edge in sensor tech.