Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony HX300

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Sony NEX-F3 and Sony HX300, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Sony. The resolution of the NEX-F3 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the NEX-F3 (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The NEX-F3 was released 6 months earlier than the HX300 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the NEX-F3 grades versus the HX300 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Sony Alpha NEX-F3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are viewable at Sony NEX-F3 Gallery & Sony HX300 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony NEX-F3 provides physical dimensions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has proportions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Check the Sony NEX-F3 and Sony HX300 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the NEX-F3 compared to the HX300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the NEX-F3 and HX300 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The graphic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the NEX-F3 and HX300.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The NEX-F3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX300 will give more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively.