Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Sony NEX-3 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon Df is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Sony NEX-3 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon Df is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-3 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon Df has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Sony NEX-3 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon Df has a 15 % 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

Nikon Df has a larger ISO-range than Sony NEX-3. Nikon Df has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Sony NEX-3 has 200 to 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 NEX-3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-3. Unfortunately Nikon Df does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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.

Nikon Df weighs 760 gr (equal to 1.68 lb) which is 156% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).

Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-3 and Nikon Df, 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 NEX-3	Nikon Df
Name	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Manufacturer	Sony	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Release Year	2010	2013
Release Date	2010-05-11	2013-11-05
MSRP	599 USD	2749 USD
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Camera Type	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4592 x 3056 pixels	4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels	14 MP	16 MP
Image Processor	Bionz	EXPEED 3
Image	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
ISO Range	200 - 12800	100 - 12800
White Balance Presets	6	12
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	25	39
Lens Mount	Sony E See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F 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	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3”	3,2”
Screen dots	920000	921000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT Xtra Fine LCD	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	No Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage		100%
Viewfinder Magnification		0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Frames per second	7 fps	5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	No
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Memory Card	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	Yes Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control	No	Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS	No	Yes Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions	Sony NEX-3	Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	330 shots	1400 shots
Width	117 mm	144 mm
Height	62 mm	110 mm
Depth	33 mm	67 mm
Weight	297 gram	760 gram