Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony RX1R II

In this article, we are reviewing the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony RX1R II, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and both are sold by Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the NEX-C3 (16MP) and RX1R II (42MP) and the NEX-C3 (APS-C) and RX1R II (Full frame) come with different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-C3 was revealed 5 years prior to the RX1R II which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony RX1R II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a quick overview of how the NEX-C3 grades vs the RX1R II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-C3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II. The full galleries are provided at Sony NEX-C3 Gallery and Sony RX1R II Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Sony NEX-C3 has outside dimensions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony RX1R II has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 72mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 507 grams (1.12 lbs).

Contrast the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony RX1R II in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the NEX-C3 against the RX1R II.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-C3 and RX1R II is 91 and 78 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing technical specs. The pic below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-C3 and RX1R II.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The NEX-C3 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX1R II will show extra detail because of its extra 26 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged NEX-C3 will be behind in sensor innovation.