• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 357.3mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Sony QX1

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 4.25 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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 52 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony QX1 advantages over Sony NEX-3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,063 vs 830 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.5 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • 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 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
Sony QX1
Sony NEX-5
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Bigger pixels

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
Sony QX1
Sony NEX-C3
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

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
Sony QX1
Sony NEX-5N
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Samsung NX2000

Sony NEX-3
Samsung NX2000
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Sony QX1
Samsung NX2000
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $680
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Samsung NX3300

Sony NEX-3
Samsung NX3300
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Newer
Sony QX1
Samsung NX3300
  • $498
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • In-camera panoramas
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