Sony NEX-5 vs Sony G3

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Sony NEX-5 and Sony G3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Sony. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the NEX-5 (14MP) and G3 (10MP) and the NEX-5 (APS-C) and G3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

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The NEX-5 was introduced 18 months after the G3 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony G3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the NEX-5 grades vs the G3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3. The whole galleries are available at Sony NEX-5 Gallery and Sony G3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-5 has got external measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) while the Sony G3 has sizing of 97mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony NEX-5 and Sony G3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the NEX-5 against the G3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NEX-5 and G3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The image below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-5 and G3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The NEX-5 with its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Sony NEX-5 will offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The more recent NEX-5 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.