• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha NEX-3
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3
Successor: Sony NEX-3N
NEX-3 vs NEX-3N
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4
General
Model Number: NEX-3 GH3
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $599.99 $1299.99
Street Price:   $797.99
Date Available: 2010-07-15 2012-12-30
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 18.0 oz (511 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
19.6 oz (555 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 in.
(117 x 63 x 33 mm)
5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in.
(133 x 93 x 82 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 16.1
Sensor Format: APS-C 4/3
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.16 microns 3.75 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 68 71
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.1 22.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.0 12.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 830 812
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3344 x 2224 (7.4 MP, 3:2),
3344 x 1872 (6.3 MP, Other),
2288 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
2288 x 1280 (2.9 MP, Other)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 2.7 6.1
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (30)
640x480 (30)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (Slow: 60p/​50p/​30p)
1920x1080 (Fast: 15p/​12p/​8p)
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony E Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Sony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm  
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm  
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 49.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 10x Precision digital zoom with prime lens attached 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: (Optional FDA-SV1 optical viewfinder available with 16mm FOV) EVF: 1,746K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a 1,746,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.34x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 614,000 dots (204,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 13.0x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   12800
Minimum ISO (native):   200
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 125 and ISO 25600; Up to ISO 3200 in Auto
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temp./Filter, Custom Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Multi-segment (49 segments), Center-weighted, Spot 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups)
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 7.0 m / 23.0 ft. 12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description: Bundled flash has GN of 7m/ISO 100 Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Smart Accessory Terminal (flash is detachable) Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Optional wired DMW-RSL1
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C) Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.77 0.48
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 0.48
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 17 Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.46
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 2.7 6.1
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 38 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   5.1
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   24
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   5.2
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   20
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.44 seconds 0.21 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.44 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.086 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.38 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.115 seconds 0.079 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.202s
Startup Time: 1.0 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.0 seconds 0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 2.8 seconds 4.1 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 330 shots 540 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial)
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS X 10.1.3 or later  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Available in black, silver or red.