Sony a5100 vs Sony NEX-3
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a5100 and Sony NEX-3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.
Sony a5100 were released 2014 and Sony NEX-3 was released 2010. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony a5100 | 2014 |
Sony NEX-3 | 2010 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony a5100 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Sony NEX-3 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)
Resolution
Sony a5100 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony NEX-3 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony a5100 |
24 MP
24000000 pixels 6000 x 4000 |
Sony NEX-3 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Sony a5100 has a 71 % larger resolution than Sony NEX-3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Sony a5100 has a larger ISO-range than Sony NEX-3. Sony a5100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Sony NEX-3 has 200 to 12800.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony a5100 | 100-25600 |
Sony NEX-3 | 200-12800 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a5100
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-3
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a5100 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony a5100 | 6 |
Sony NEX-3 | 7 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Sony a5100 and Sony NEX-3 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Sony NEX-3 weighs 297 gr (equal to 0.65 lb) which is 5% heavier than Sony a5100 and its 283 gr (or 0.62 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony a5100 | 283 gr 0.62 lb |
Sony NEX-3 | 297 gr 0.65 lb |
Sony a5100 vs Sony NEX-3 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a5100 and Sony NEX-3, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Name | Sony a5100 | Sony NEX-3 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Sony |
Release Date and Price |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Release Year | 2014 | 2010 |
Release Date | 2014-08-18 | 2010-05-11 |
MSRP | 549 USD | 599 USD |
Buy it today |
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Camera Type |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 6000 x 4000 pixels | 4592 x 3056 pixels |
Megapixels | 24 MP | 14 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz X | Bionz |
Image |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
ISO Range | 100 - 25600 | 200 - 12800 |
White Balance Presets | 10 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 179 | 25 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 921600 | 920000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT Xtra Fine LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | No Viewfinder |
Viewfinder Coverage | ||
Viewfinder Magnification | ||
Viewfinder Resolution | 0 | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Frames per second | 6 fps | 7 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range | 4 meters | N/A |
External Flash | No | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | No |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 XF-AVC AVCHD |
MPEG4 |
Video resolution |
1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080 |
1280 x 720 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | No |
Storage |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (802.11b/g/n with NFC) |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Remote Control | Yes (wired or PC) | No |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony a5100 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and USB charger
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Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
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Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots | 330 shots |
Width | 110 mm | 117 mm |
Height | 63 mm | 62 mm |
Depth | 36 mm | 33 mm |
Weight | 283 gram | 297 gram |