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Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1

Portability
91
Imaging
56
Features
57
Overall
56
Sony Alpha NEX-C3 front
 
Sony ZV-1 front
Portability
88
Imaging
55
Features
86
Overall
67

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Key Specs

Sony NEX-C3
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 225g - 110 x 60 x 33mm
  • Launched August 2011
  • Old Model is Sony NEX-3
  • Refreshed by Sony NEX-F3
Sony ZV-1
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1" Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 125 - 12800 (Bump to 25600)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 24-70mm (F1.8-2.8) lens
  • 294g - 105 x 60 x 44mm
  • Revealed May 2020
  • Newer Model is Sony ZV-1 II
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Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Overview

Below, we will be evaluating the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony ZV-1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Sony. The image resolution of the NEX-C3 (16MP) and the ZV-1 (20MP) is relatively close but the NEX-C3 (APS-C) and ZV-1 (1") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The NEX-C3 was unveiled 9 years before the ZV-1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony ZV-1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the NEX-C3 grades versus the ZV-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Sony NEX-C3 over the Sony ZV-1

 NEX-C3 ZV-1 

Reasons to pick Sony ZV-1 over the Sony NEX-C3

 ZV-1 NEX-C3 
RevealedMay 2020August 2011Newer by 106 months
Screen typeFully ArticulatedTiltingFully Articulating screen
Screen resolution922k920kSharper screen (+2k dot)
Selfie screen Easy selfies
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony ZV-1

 NEX-C3 ZV-1 
Manually focus Dial precise focus
Screen dimension3"3"Identical screen dimensions

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Physical Comparison

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Sony NEX-C3 enjoys external 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) whilst the Sony ZV-1 has sizing of 105mm x 60mm x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7") and a weight of 294 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-C3 and Sony ZV-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the NEX-C3 versus the ZV-1.

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 size comparison

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NEX-C3 and ZV-1 is 91 and 88 respectively.

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 top view buttons comparison

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Sensor Comparison

Normally, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by researching specifications. The pic here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-C3 and ZV-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The NEX-C3 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony ZV-1 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged NEX-C3 will be behind in sensor tech.

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 sensor size comparison

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 Portrait photography info
Sony ZV-1 Portrait photography info
73
has manual focus
megapixel count good (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
73
you can focus manually
megapixel count decent (20MP)
good sensor size (1")
includes face detect focus
saves RAW files
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 Street photography information
Sony ZV-1 Street photography information
79
tilting screen
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
lighter than competitors in class (225 grams)
no image stabilization
85
screen articulates fully
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good sensor size (1")
saves RAW files
offers touch focus
lighter than others in class (294 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 Sports photography info
Sony ZV-1 Sports photography info
53
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
better than average battery power (400 shots)
low frames per second (6.0 frames/s)
no image stabilization
doesn't have phase detect AF
71
silent shutter (1/32,000 seconds)
max frames per second high (24.0 frames per second)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (20 megapixels)
good sensor size (1")
includes tracking focus
sensor has phase detect auto focus
terrible battery (260 shots)
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Travel Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 Travel photography information
Sony ZV-1 Travel photography information
71
better than average battery power (400 shots)
lighter than competitors in class (225g)
megapixel count good (16 megapixels)
missing Timelapse recording
display is not selfie friendly
81
lighter than others in class (294 grams)
has bluetooth
offers touch focus
megapixel count decent (20MP)
selfie friendly screen
really wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
terrible battery (260 CIPA)
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Landscape Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 Landscape photography info
Sony ZV-1 Landscape photography info
70
has manual focus
switch lenses (Sony E mount)
good sized screen (3 inches)
megapixel count good (16MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
better than average battery power (400 shots)
no image stabilization
missing Timelapse recording
70
you can focus manually
really wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
nice screen size (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
megapixel count decent (20MP)
good sensor size (1")
saves RAW files
cannot switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
terrible battery (260 shots)
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Vlogging Comparison

Sony NEX-C3 as a Vlogging camera
Sony ZV-1 as a Vlogging camera
27
lighter than competitors in class (225g)
display is not selfie friendly
no image stabilization
low res video (1280 x 720 pixels)
missing microphone support
86
really wide (24mm)
fast max aperture (f1.8)
selfie friendly screen
has touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detect focus
high res video (3840 x 2160 pxls)
includes mic socket
lighter than others in class (294g)
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Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony ZV-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Sony NEX-C3 and Sony ZV-1
 Sony Alpha NEX-C3Sony ZV-1
General Information
Brand Sony Sony
Model Sony Alpha NEX-C3 Sony ZV-1
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Large Sensor Compact
Launched 2011-08-22 2020-05-27
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Processor Chip Bionz Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size APS-C 1"
Sensor dimensions 23.4 x 15.6mm 13.2 x 8.8mm
Sensor surface area 365.0mm² 116.2mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixels 20 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 4912 x 3264 5472 x 3648
Highest native ISO 12800 12800
Highest boosted ISO - 25600
Minimum native ISO 100 125
RAW format
Minimum boosted ISO - 80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 25 315
Lens
Lens mounting type Sony E fixed lens
Lens focal range - 24-70mm (2.9x)
Largest aperture - f/1.8-2.8
Macro focus distance - 5cm
Total lenses 121 -
Crop factor 1.5 2.7
Screen
Type of screen Tilting Fully Articulated
Screen diagonal 3" 3"
Screen resolution 920k dots 922k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology TFT Xtra Fine LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/2000 secs
Maximum silent shutter speed - 1/32000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 6.0 frames/s 24.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Rear Sync, Flash Off
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/160 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080
Highest video resolution 1280x720 3840x2160
Video data format MPEG-4 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 225 gr (0.50 lbs) 294 gr (0.65 lbs)
Dimensions 110 x 60 x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") 105 x 60 x 44mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 73 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 22.7 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 12.2 not tested
DXO Low light score 1083 not tested
Other
Battery life 400 pictures 260 pictures
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model NPFW50 -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images) Yes
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Card slots 1 1
Pricing at launch $343 $750