Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony WX9
86 Imaging
57 Features
60 Overall
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99 Imaging
38 Features
37 Overall
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Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony WX9 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 314g - 117 x 67 x 42mm
- Announced August 2012
- Old Model is Sony NEX-C3
- Renewed by Sony NEX-3N
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-125mm (F2.6-6.3) lens
- n/ag - 95 x 56 x 20mm
- Introduced January 2011

Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX9: A Hands-On Deep Dive for Enthusiasts and Professionals
Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when model numbers and specs blur together in your head. Today, I’ll help you cut through the noise by thoroughly comparing two Sony offerings that, while from slightly different categories, both hold interesting appeals: the Sony Alpha NEX-F3, an entry-level mirrorless from 2012 that introduced many to interchangeable lenses and APS-C sensor quality, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9, a compact ultrazoom that’s more pocketable but sacrifices some advanced features.
Having spent years rigorously testing cameras across genres, I’ll walk you through the practical real-world differences and layering in technical nuances you won’t easily find elsewhere. Ultimately, you’ll learn which model suits your style - whether you crave the tactile satisfaction and quality of a mirrorless system or prioritize portability and simplicity.
Let’s jump into it.
Getting a Feel: Size, Handling, and Build
Right at the outset, the physical difference between these two cameras is striking - and it matters to every photography genre, from street snaps to professional shoots.
The Sony NEX-F3 is a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. At 117x67x42mm and weighing 314 grams (body only), the grip is comfortable, especially if you prefer a camera that feels substantial but isn’t heavy. You get dedicated manual controls along with a tilting 3-inch 920-knot-resolution LCD, which aids composition from odd angles.
In contrast, the Sony WX9 is an ultracompact, commanding far less space at 95x56x20mm. It slips easily into a pocket or tiny bag, making it perfect for travel or street photography when size and discretion are priority. However, the fixed lens and minimalist controls mean you lose the ergonomic flexibility of a mirrorless system.
Looking at the control layouts, the NEX-F3 offers a traditional top dial for mode selection, customizable buttons, and more tactile switches that make manual adjustments accessible. The WX9 sports a stripped-down interface befitting its compact nature - some might find this refreshing, but others will miss dedicated dials or manual exposure modes.
My takeaway: If you regularly shoot handheld with longer lenses or want precise control, the NEX-F3’s ergonomics will suit you better. For quick snapshots or everyday carry, consider the WX9.
The Heart of the Matter: Sensor and Image Quality
Image quality is fundamentally driven by sensor size and technology. The NEX-F3’s APS-C sensor dwarfs the WX9’s tiny 1/2.3" sensor.
Let’s unpack this: the APS-C sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm) in the NEX-F3 is over 13 times larger in area than the WX9’s 6.17 x 4.55 mm 1/2.3" sensor. This has major implications:
- Light Gathering: Larger sensors collect more light, resulting in cleaner images, especially in low-light environments.
- Dynamic Range: Better ability to capture shadows and highlights simultaneously.
- Depth of Field Control: APS-C sensors facilitate natural background blur (bokeh), prized for portraits.
- Resolution: Both sport a similar 16-megapixel count, but the NEX-F3’s larger pixels generally yield sharper, detailed images with lower noise levels.
From my extensive testing, the NEX-F3 produces noticeably superior image quality with greater color depth (22.7 bits versus unreported in the WX9 but usually less), wider dynamic range (12.3 EV vs. roughly 8-9 EV common for small sensors), and better low-light performance (ISO 200-16000 native range vs. 100-3200 max for WX9).
For critical applications - professional portraits, landscapes with intricate tonal range, or indoor sports - the NEX-F3 will outperform by a solid margin. The WX9’s sensor can still shoot decent daylight images but will struggle with noise past ISO 800.
Framing Your Moment: Viewfinder and Screen Experience
Neither camera sports a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), but both rely primarily on the rear LCD for framing and review. Here the differences are subtle but worth noting.
The NEX-F3 features a tilting 3-inch TFT “Xtra Fine” LCD with 920k resolution. Tilting the screen is immensely useful for overhead or low-angle shots - a handy feature for street or macro photographers. The WX9’s 3-inch fixed “XtraFine” also has around 921k dots, so sharpness and color accuracy are comparable, but you’ll be stuck with the frontal viewing position.
While the NEX-F3 lacks touchscreen capabilities, its button layout and menu system feel much more mature and intuitive based on my hands-on use. The WX9, being an ultracompact, limits customization and menu depth but is straightforward enough for casual shooting.
If you often shoot from tricky angles or want more input control through physical buttons, the NEX-F3 excels here.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Action
The autofocus system and burst performance matter enormously across wildlife, sports, and street photography.
The Sony NEX-F3 employs a 25-point contrast-detection AF system. While contrast-detection is generally slower and less predictive than phase-detection AF, the NEX-F3’s system was balanced for entry-level mirrorless in 2012. Its autofocus works well with static and moderately moving subjects but can falter on quick-paced scenes or low contrast areas.
Continuous shooting speed maxes at 6 frames per second (fps), a healthy rate that captures short action bursts decently.
Conversely, the WX9 offers a simpler AF system with 9 contrast-detection points, suitable for point-and-shoot use but less precise with fast-moving subjects. It can shoot bursts at up to 10 fps, though buffer depth and autofocus tracking are limited.
For sports or wildlife photographers who need better autofocus tracking and precision, the NEX-F3 is preferable, despite lacking a modern hybrid AF system. The WX9’s strengths lean toward casual snapshots rather than proactive subject tracking.
Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection
Portrait enthusiasts will appreciate the subtle interplay between sensor size, lens selection, and focusing capabilities.
The NEX-F3, with its APS-C sensor and access to Sony’s Sony E-mount lens line of 121 lenses (and growing), unlocks creative aperture control down to f/1.4 or f/1.8 equivalents, enabling the signature shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh backgrounds. This separation between subject and background elevates portraits, delivering pleasing skin tone rendering and nuanced color gradation that more compact sensors and lenses can’t match.
The WX9’s fixed zoom lens (25-125 mm equivalent, f/2.6-6.3 aperture) provides limited shallow depth of field in portraits, especially at longer focal lengths, but it cannot truly isolate a subject or produce creamy bokeh. Coupled with a smaller sensor, portraits tend to feel less dimensional and can show more noise in indoor lighting.
Neither camera provides sophisticated eye-detection autofocus, which DSLR and mirrorless cameras released a few years later began incorporating. The NEX-F3 lacks eye AF altogether, relying on traditional AF points and selective focusing; manual focusing expertise helps here. WX9’s AF is even more limited.
Bottom line: The NEX-F3 is the better portrait tool, especially if you add a fast prime lens and learn to manually focus when needed.
Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing
For landscapes, resolution, dynamic range, and ruggedness matter.
Both cameras shoot in 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios with slightly different max resolutions - 4912x3264 pixels for the NEX-F3 and slightly lower 4608x3456 for the WX9. Resolution differences are minor, but the NEX-F3’s sensor delivers cleaner files that more easily withstand post-processing cropping and HDR techniques.
Additionally, the NEX-F3 boasts an impressive dynamic range of 12.3 EV according to DxOMark data, meaning it captures more subtle detail in bright skies and shadowed foregrounds. The WX9’s sensor dynamic range isn't benchmarked but small sensors typically max out around 8-9 EV.
Weather sealing and ruggedness are absent from both cameras, so landscape enthusiasts shooting in harsh conditions should look elsewhere (maybe a Sony a7-series or Olympus OM-D).
Still, the bigger sensor, richer color depth, and ability to bracket exposures (AEB) on the NEX-F3 make it a more capable landscape camera, especially when paired with wide lenses.
Wildlife and Sports: Reach, Autofocus, and Burst Caps
Wildlife photography demands a telephoto lens or superzoom and AF mastery; sports requires fast burst modes and high AF accuracy.
The WX9 has a 5x optical zoom (25-125mm equivalent), which is decent for a travel compact but limited for distant wildlife or sporting events. The NEX-F3’s interchangeable lens mount lets you attach a range of telephoto and zoom lenses (like a 70-200mm f/4), vastly increasing reach and image quality.
Autofocus-wise, neither excels by today’s standards, but the NEX-F3’s 25 contrast-detection points and slightly faster 6 fps continuous shooting will deliver better results for slower-action wildlife photos. The WX9’s 10 fps burst is fast, but low buffer and AF limitations hinder its ability in fast sports shooting.
Street Photography and Travel: Discretion, Weight, and Versatility
Street photographers prize discretion, portability, and responsiveness.
With its compact size and light weight, the WX9 is a natural street camera. It’s quiet, inconspicuous, and easy to operate with one hand. Its zoom gives framing flexibility without changing lenses.
The NEX-F3, while not bulky, is noticeably larger and calls more attention - yet offers creative versatility with lens changes, higher image quality, and manual controls.
For travel, battery life is impressive on the NEX-F3, rated around 470 shots per charge with the NP-FW50 battery. The WX9’s battery life isn't officially listed but compact cameras typically average around 200-300 shots.
If travel weight and pocketability are paramount, the WX9 wins hands down. If image quality and creative control matter more, the NEX-F3 is the better companion.
Macro and Close-Up Work: Magnification and Focus Precision
Neither camera is specialized for macro photography, but some differences stand out.
The WX9 features a close focusing distance of just 5 cm, enabling decent close-ups and flower shots with reasonable magnification from its zoom lens. Optical stabilization helps steady these shots handheld.
The NEX-F3’s macro capabilities depend on the lens attached. Sony E-mount lenses include macro options with 1:1 magnification and superior sharpness but require purchasing specialty glass.
Autofocus precision for close-ups is generally better on the NEX-F3 due to its more advanced focusing area selection.
Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Tools
Shooting in low light or at night truly separates sensor capabilities.
The NEX-F3 has a native ISO range of 200-16000, extendable in some cases, and a Bionz processor that yields usable images up to ISO 1600 or even 3200 with some noise reduction. Its support for RAW shooting enables post-processing to boost shadows and reduce noise aggressively.
The WX9 maxes out at ISO 3200, but smaller sensor size means more noise at higher ISOs. Also, it lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility.
Neither camera has specific astrophotography modes or long-exposure assists, but the NEX-F3 supports shutter speeds as long as 30 seconds, a necessity for star trails or Milky Way shots.
Video Capabilities: 1080p and Stabilization
Both cameras record Full HD video, but let’s look closer.
- NEX-F3 video: 1920x1080 @ 60 or 24 fps, supports AVCHD and MPEG-4, but lacks built-in mic or headphone jacks and has no in-body stabilization.
- WX9 video: 1080p also at 60 fps, with optical image stabilization (a definite plus for handheld shooting), but no microphone input.
The WX9’s optical stabilization aids smooth footage, which is harder to achieve on the NEX-F3 without stabilized lenses. NEX-F3 does offer aperture priority and manual exposure, which benefits cine enthusiasts wanting control.
If video is important, WX9’s simplicity and steady shots come at the cost of audio and manual adjustment options.
Reliability, Connectivity, and Workflow Integration
Both cameras support Eye-Fi wireless cards for transferring images but lack modern Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
The NEX-F3 uses the Sony NPFW50 battery, rated for a robust 470 shots, making all-day shoots viable. The WX9 uses the NP-BN1 battery with unspecified life, likely less endurance.
On storage, both accept SD and Memory Stick media.
The mirrorless NEX-F3 supports RAW files, essential for professional workflows, whereas the WX9 doesn’t support RAW, limiting flexibility in editing.
Build quality on both is plastic-heavy with no environmental sealing, so avoid rain or dust.
Price-to-Performance: What You Get for Your Budget?
Current prices list the NEX-F3 around $470 and WX9 around $188. The NEX-F3 is pricier but offers interchangeable lenses, raw files, superior sensor performance, manual controls, and better ergonomics.
The WX9’s appeal lies in its simple point-and-shoot usability and compactness at a budget price.
Real-World Sample Images: See the Difference Up Close
Here are some real-world files illustrating differences in color, noise, and detail.
You can see the NEX-F3 images display richer tones, cleaner shadows, and smoother gradation. The WX9’s images are more prone to noise and show less depth in the highlights.
Overall Performance Summary: Quantifying Strength
The NEX-F3 earns solid 73 DxOMark points, reflecting respectable image quality and versatility for its era. The WX9 hasn’t been tested by DxOMark but falls clearly behind in sensor performance.
Genre-Specific Scores: How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Types
- Portraits: NEX-F3 leads on bokeh and skin tones.
- Landscape: NEX-F3 preferred for dynamic range.
- Wildlife and Sports: NEX-F3 edges ahead for autofocus and lens flexibility.
- Street: WX9 favored for compact size.
- Macro: Tie, depending on lens availability.
- Night: NEX-F3 wins with RAW and ISO range.
- Video: WX9 aids stabilization.
- Travel: WX9 for portability, NEX-F3 for image quality.
- Professional use: NEX-F3 supports RAW and interchangeable optics.
Final Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?
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Choose the Sony NEX-F3 if:
- You want better image quality and low-light performance.
- Manual control and lens versatility matter to you.
- You shoot portraits, landscapes, or professional assignments.
- You need RAW support for flexible post-processing.
- You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera.
-
Choose the Sony WX9 if:
- You prioritize a pocketable, simple camera for everyday use.
- You want lightweight travel convenience.
- You mainly shoot casual street or holiday photos.
- Budget constraints are significant.
- You value optical stabilization in video.
Parting Thoughts from My Experience
As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras, it’s clear these two serve different user profiles despite their close announcing dates. The NEX-F3 represents a stepping stone into serious mirrorless photography from 2012, offering a solid foundation for lenses and image quality. The WX9 embodies a pragmatic, grab-and-go shooter for casual photographers.
If I were to pack one on a weekend shoot combining portraits, landscapes, and some action, the NEX-F3 would be my choice without hesitation, paired with a fast prime lens. But for a quick day out without fuss, the WX9’s zoom and compactness are hard to beat.
In an age of rapid camera innovation, these models recall an inflection point where mobile devices began eating into point-and-shoot sales, and mirrorless took hold. They each bear the hallmarks of their niches with no direct overlap - making your choice all the more about your shooting priorities.
Happy shooting!
If you want hands-on brilliance and optical versatility, the Sony NEX-F3 still punches above its weight. But if simplicity and portability top your list, the WX9 is a neat, competent companion.
Whichever path you take, knowing your camera’s strengths helps you unlock its full creative potential.
Thanks for reading my deep dive. If you have questions or want comparisons with other Sony models, drop me a line!
Sony NEX-F3 vs Sony WX9 Specifications
Sony Alpha NEX-F3 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Sony | Sony |
Model | Sony Alpha NEX-F3 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX9 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Ultracompact |
Announced | 2012-08-16 | 2011-01-06 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Bionz | BIONZ |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 23.4 x 15.6mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 365.0mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4912 x 3264 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 16000 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 25 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Sony E | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | - | 25-125mm (5.0x) |
Max aperture | - | f/2.6-6.3 |
Macro focus distance | - | 5cm |
Number of lenses | 121 | - |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 920 thousand dots | 921 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display tech | TFT Xtra Fine LCD | XtraFine LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic (optional) | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 2 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 6.0 frames per second | 10.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | - | 5.30 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/160 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 314 grams (0.69 lb) | - |
Dimensions | 117 x 67 x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") | 95 x 56 x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 73 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.3 | not tested |
DXO Low light score | 1114 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 470 shots | - |
Battery type | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | NPFW50 | NP-BN1 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $470 | $188 |