Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon Z f
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Nikon Z f. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony NEX-3 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon Z f is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony NEX-3 were released 2010 and Nikon Z f was released 2023. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony NEX-3 | 2010 |
Nikon Z f | 2023 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-3 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon Z f has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony NEX-3 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon Z f | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 Z f has 25 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony NEX-3 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Nikon Z f |
25 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon Z f has a 74 % 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 Z f has a larger ISO-range than Sony NEX-3. Nikon Z f has an ISO range that stretches from 50 to 204800 while Sony NEX-3 has 200 to 12800.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony NEX-3 | 200-12800 |
Nikon Z f | 50-204800 |
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 Z f
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 Z f can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony NEX-3 | 7 |
Nikon Z f | 14 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Sony NEX-3 and Nikon Z f 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.
Nikon Z f weighs 710 gr (equal to 1.57 lb) which is 139% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony NEX-3 | 297 gr 0.65 lb |
Nikon Z f | 710 gr 1.57 lb |
Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon Z f Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-3 and Nikon Z f, 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 Z f |
Name | Sony NEX-3 | Nikon Z f |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Release Year | 2010 | 2023 |
Release Date | 2010-05-11 | 2023-09-20 |
MSRP | 599 USD | 1999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
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 | BSI-CMOS |
Resolution | 4592 x 3056 pixels | 6048 x 4032 pixels |
Megapixels | 14 MP | 25 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | |
Image |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
ISO Range | 200 - 12800 | 50 - 204800 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 8 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 8 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
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 Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 25 | 273 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon Z 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 Z f |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 2100000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | TFT Xtra Fine LCD | N/A |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | Electronic |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 3690000 |
Photography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Frames per second | 7 fps | 14 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 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 | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot Partial Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
H.264 H.265 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Yes Built-in (802.11b/g/n/a/ac) |
Remote Control | No | No |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon Z f |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
|
EN-EL15c
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots | 380 shots |
Width | 117 mm | 144 mm |
Height | 62 mm | 103 mm |
Depth | 33 mm | 49 mm |
Weight | 297 gram | 710 gram |