Sony NEX-3N vs Zeiss ZX1

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Sony NEX-3N and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Sony and Zeiss. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the NEX-3N (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the NEX-3N (APS-C) and ZX1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-3N was released 6 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the NEX-3N grades against the ZX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha NEX-3N and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-3N Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-3N offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Zeiss ZX1 has proportions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Examine the Sony NEX-3N and Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the NEX-3N versus the ZX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-3N and ZX1 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Often, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-3N and ZX1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The NEX-3N due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 21 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older NEX-3N is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.