Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony S980

Here is a complete assessment of the Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony S980, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the NEX-C3 (16MP) and S980 (12MP) and the NEX-C3 (APS-C) and S980 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The NEX-C3 was unveiled 2 years later than the S980 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the NEX-C3 grades against the S980 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha NEX-C3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are available at Sony NEX-C3 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Sony NEX-C3 comes with outside measurements of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony S980 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is a front view scale comparison of the NEX-C3 vs the S980.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-C3 and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by reading specs. The photograph below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the NEX-C3 and S980.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The NEX-C3 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony NEX-C3 will deliver more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The younger NEX-C3 should have a benefit in sensor technology.