• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Nikon J2

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    830 vs 363 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    11.9 vs 10.8 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/160 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon J2 advantages over Sony NEX-3

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
Nikon J2
Sony NEX-5
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-C3
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon J2
Sony NEX-C3
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon J2
Sony NEX-5N
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J1

Sony NEX-3
Nikon J1
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon J2
Nikon J1
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $500
  • 1 inch

Compared to Nikon J3

Sony NEX-3
Nikon J3
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon J2
Nikon J3
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
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