• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 16,000

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Differences

Canon T3i advantages over Sony NEX-3N

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    216 mm vs 75 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    9 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Canon T3i

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,067 vs 793 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    389g vs 1031g
    Lighter weight
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Sony NEX-3N

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Good grip; Full HD video recording; Swiveling LCD; Very fast autofocus; HDMI output.

  • Slow frame rate for sports shooting; Tendency to overexpose in bright sunlight; Live View AF is slow; No microfocus adjustment.

  • Excellent image quality for an entry-level mirrorless; User interface ideal for consumers stepping up from point-and-shoots; Speedy and accurate autofocusing; Zoom lever on body; Tremendous value.

  • Lack of hot shoe or accessory port limits more advanced shooting; No electronic viewfinder; Performance lags behind previous model, especially on burst shooting speed.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7000

Canon T3i
Nikon D7000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Sony NEX-3N
Nikon D7000
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax K-5

Canon T3i
Pentax K-5
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony NEX-3N
Pentax K-5
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T3i
Canon T4i
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Sony NEX-3N
Canon T4i
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Canon T3i
Samsung NX1100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Sony NEX-3N
Samsung NX1100
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Canon T3i
Sony NEX-5T
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5T
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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