Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony HX20V

Lets look closer at the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony HX20V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Sony. The sensor resolution of the NEX-C3 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is fairly similar but the NEX-C3 (APS-C) and HX20V (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The NEX-C3 was launched 11 months prior to the HX20V and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the NEX-C3 grades versus the HX20V in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-C3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are provided at Sony NEX-C3 Gallery and Sony HX20V Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Sony NEX-C3 features outside dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony HX20V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the NEX-C3 vs the HX20V.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the NEX-C3 and HX20V is 91 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by going over specifications. The photograph below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the NEX-C3 and HX20V.

To sum up, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-C3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Sony HX20V will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older NEX-C3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.